Outboard motor purchase

[jgellis15]

I am getting ready to buy an outboard motor for my Mac 25. I am looking for a long stem with about 9Hp and an alternator to charge my batteries....does anybody have any suggestions on what brand to get and where to order it from? Thanks

[johnnyonspot]

Are you buying new? If so, my question would be why, but that's just me. I like to buy used and save money while still getting a good product. OB motors, since the 80s, have been very well built and long lasting so long as they are taken care of, have their maintenance done, stored for winter properly, etc. I am sure there are many 10 horse motors out there, longshafts, with alternators, some even with electric start. I would look into this used market first and grab any well taken care of OB from a major maker that is reasonably priced and runs well. If you are buying new, I'd check out the reviews. Practical Sailor may have done a review on this size OB in the last couple years, whether shortshaft, longshaft, what have you. The powerheads are all the same regardless of shaft length, so even if its a dinghy motor review, it still applies. So maybe settle on 3-4 brands then google for reviews or look into PS magazine. I am sure the reviews are out there to be found. Many on this board may have experience with this too, and can fill you in on their purchase and how it has worked out. Maybe search for "kicker" here in the forum and see what pops up.

[jgellis15]

Thanks, I am usually buying used too....but didn't know how reliable that would be on something this important...I can just see myself as an newbie barley able to sail....and my motor conks out in the middle of nowhere...and I have to break out the paddlesI guess I can start checking on ebay......and see what is available....thanks for the insight...

[johnnyonspot]

Try craigslist. There are usually scads of OB motors listed under "boats". As long as your motor works before leaving the dock it should work once you get out on the water. Just so you know, a 15 hp OB works great on the Mac 25 too, so if you are willing to go bigger by 5 hp it may increase the number of potentials out there for you. Some may even use a 6 hp, though I think this is a bit small.

Here is a nice Yamaha 8HP w/ electric start on Houston CL, but probably gone by now.

[Lloyd Franks]

EBay has a ton of motors. You can search by size and location. And I agree that there are lots of great used motors out there.