What would be considered high hours on a pair of outboards on a used boat? Just wondering if you were looking for a used 20-24’ boat with twin outboards, what would raise a red flag as far as engine hrs??
I think a lot of people put too much emphasis on the hour meter. In my opinion, its just there as a reference for maintenance.
Maintenance records are worth their weight in gold. A well maintained high hour motor is better than an abused low hour engine.
A compression test can tell a lot, along with reading the plugs. See if you can get the rpm history graph too. A lot of hours at top rpm is harder than if the hours were put on at 4000rpm.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
14’ Stumpnocker
15 Rude
That’s kinda what I was thinking. Just wanted a second opinion. When I find the right boat maintenance records are gonna be a must.
I would be scared to see how many hours are on my outboard, but as long as that compression is EVEN and within spec I wouldnt worry too much about it.
Look at how many hours the crabbers get out of there motors vs a leisure boat. Its all about maintenance and how often you actually USE the motor. Sitting up is one of the worst things you can do to them.
Key West 2300cc Mercury 225 optimax “Fish Tale”
I appreciate all the ■■■■■■■■. Now I’m trying to decide on twin outboards or single. Since I’m gonna buy used I’m leaning towards twin outboards just for that extra bit of security since I’m gonna be going offshore.
Friend of mine that runs crab boats put 5,400 and 4,800 hours on 2 of his yamaha F150s. I would consider that high hours 
When they finally went they both threw rods through the block.
07 Scout Winyah Bay 221 Yamaha F150
I have been looking at a boat with twin 90hp Yamaha’s on it. The motors are a 1998 model with 1300 hours. From the pictures the motors look to be in mint condition on the outside and under the motor cover. The compression test on each cylinder came back between 115-120psi.
Not sure what’s good or bad. Anybody know? ChrisV can you give me some ■■■■■■■■? Is it worth considering a boat with 16 year old motors with these specs?
115-120psi is not far off factory spec on compression. They should have plenty of life left in them. One with a huge amount of hours and ware is more in the 90-100 range and still has some life left. Being even in compression is important.
J Ford
You can’t catch 'um on the couch!
I don’t think hours should be the deciding factor. Like mentioned preventive and corrective maintenance records are very important. Also look to see how the rest of the boat is maintained. The whole package should be considered. Might want to Google the engine year and hp. Might find some links where people are asking how to fix issues. Good luck.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
1300 hours on a carbed 2 stroke is ALOT of hours
it would need to be a REALLY good price on the rig
those are great motors and could last another 1300 hours, but with that much time on them, I would be wanting to get the rig at the cost of the boat, trailer and about $3000 more, because those motors are only worth about $1500 with those hours