Re: Looking for outboard for father/son building project

[Chris Roach]

I’m also near Seattle. The prices of old outboards are always a bit higher around here than they are in the Midwest where most of them were made, and probably a good portion of members here. I would say that $180 is reasonable as long as it has good compression and has decent paint, and is all complete. You will want to expect to pay about $150-200 to get it running. Maybe more, maybe less. Will likely need new coils, so be prepared to pull the flywheel. Impeller is a must. Carb clean with a new float is very likely. That short list is probably the minimum, and you’re looking at about $150 right there. Seaway Marine will be your friend. They’re up in Lynwood.

So, compare that to a motor that the owner can show you running, in this region, probably $400 minimum for a 1950’s 18hp.