I am looking at buying a used Parker and was just wondering what outboard motor owners think an exsessive or average amount of hours would be on an outboard? I am looking at 2310's, and the motors have been 4-stroke Yamaha's in the 225 to 250 horsepower range. Of course they have been used in saltwater. I'm sure this question has been asked many times before but I would like to find out what Parker boat owner"s think. Thanks!
Hours on a 4-stroke outboard?
- Thread starter Tweendeck
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Porkchunker
Well-known member
I have 585 hours on each of my 2002 F-115s. They are still running strong and with the exception of where I've dragged the skegs through a sand bar, the motors look as good as the day I got them.
In general, most of the boating public puts less than 50 hours a year on boat motors. Commercial folks can put up to three or four thousand hours on a motor before they think about trading them. Motors that get run every day (like a water taxi) with a thousand hours are probably better maintained and in better condition than one that gets 50 hours a year and has 200 hours on it.
Any rust on bolt and screw heads is an indication that the powerheads weren't rinsed with fresh water a couple times each season and then sprayed with T-9 Boeshield (or something similar). If the owner didn't do that simple task, I'm left wondering what other preventative maintenance has been forsaken. If I found rust under the covers, I'd heavily discount my offer.
Neglect is probably the greatest threat to a modern motor.
Dave
aka
In general, most of the boating public puts less than 50 hours a year on boat motors. Commercial folks can put up to three or four thousand hours on a motor before they think about trading them. Motors that get run every day (like a water taxi) with a thousand hours are probably better maintained and in better condition than one that gets 50 hours a year and has 200 hours on it.
Any rust on bolt and screw heads is an indication that the powerheads weren't rinsed with fresh water a couple times each season and then sprayed with T-9 Boeshield (or something similar). If the owner didn't do that simple task, I'm left wondering what other preventative maintenance has been forsaken. If I found rust under the covers, I'd heavily discount my offer.
Neglect is probably the greatest threat to a modern motor.
Dave
aka
B-Faithful
Well-known member
I generally average about 150 hours a year. I think most avid fisherman average around 100 hours a year. As Dave said, neglect is the biggest issue with a used outboard. Time owned will eat the motors up now days before hours used will for the recreational boater.
There are a lot parkers on the Chesapeake Bay, you may want to look for one of them too. The bay has much lower salinity levels than the ocean used boats. Food for thought.
There are a lot parkers on the Chesapeake Bay, you may want to look for one of them too. The bay has much lower salinity levels than the ocean used boats. Food for thought.
Porkchunker":5bkgrok6 said:
In addition to outright neglect, I would add that "deferred maintenance" is also detrimental to the health of the modern outboard.
Too many people do not follow the recommended maintenance schedule because they see it as "too expensive".
I would suggest that deferred maintenance costs more in the long run than if the recommended maintenance schedule was adhered to in the first place.
Pay the maintenance now, or pay much more later. :wink:
B-Faithful
Well-known member
I just got my taste of that expensve maintenance... $1100 for the 3 year service with water pump, decarb, etc
B-Faithful
Well-known member
As long as she keeps roaring like a lion and sipping fuel, I am good to go. Over the last 2.5 seasons and 370hours she has been great and want to keep her that way.
susqking
Well-known member
I have over 600 hours on a F225. I keep up with maintenance, so far so good no issue. I hear you should get a couple thousand hours.
MaxOut
Well-known member
A modern day 4-stroke outboard motor is good for 3-4000 hours easy if they are maintained. I put over 300 hours on my F250 this year and obviously no signs of wear. Neglect or abuse will kill them quicker than anything. Do your due diligence and consider past usage and maintenance records. If it was dealer maintained chances are better that the recommended schedules were followed. If no records are available ask the owner when they changed the oil etc in open ended questions and let them give you the details. If you are convinced they are telling the truth and demenstrate knowlage of schedules look the engine over well including inspection of the engine oil, lower unit oil, spark plugs and a compression test. If you need advise on signs to look for I can be more specific. If you are not sure get a trusted indipendent mechanic to inspect it before you purchase. Good Luck!
