What if an outboard motor was not winterized?

[catabiadj]

I'm currently looking at buying a 1972 20' Seacraft Seafari with a 2004 115HP 4-stroke Mercury outboard motor. I spoke with the seller of the boat and he agreed to doing a seatrial. When I first looked at the boat, he started the engine for me. The engine turned right over and it sounded great. He did state that in order to show the boat he did not winterize it this year. Should I be overly concerned that the boat wasn't winterized? Is there anything in particular I should look for when we do the seatrial? I appreciate any advice, this is my first boat.

Thanks

[riprunner]

Alot of it depends on where the boat is located. If the boat was stored inside or down south you obviously don't have to worry about anything freezing. An engine that sits for a long period of time without fogging can produce rust in the cylinders. If the fuel wasn't stabilized then you run the risk of bad fuel etc...

Was the engine being started every month or so..?

[catabiadj]

Thanks for the reply.

The boat was located in Massachusetts, it was definately subject to cold weather. The guy said that he started the motor up at least every two weeks. The motor has been professionally maintained by the Mercury dealer. He said I can call them as they have all the records and claim the motor is in excellent condition. There is also 1 year left on the waranty. Does it seem like a low risk?

Thanks again,
Derek

[riprunner]

It's been a relatively warm winter this year and if it was started every couple weeks it's probably fine. If anything was frozen/cracked, you will know during a Sea Trial.

I would suggest having both the motor and boat surveyed, the couple hundred bucks you pay for the survey is so worth it just for peace of mind. Good Luck!

[cSickNick]

Well, i used to run my old 2-stroke motor on my Seafari year round. I would start up every 2 weeks, but run antifreeze through the muffs/motor. I was worried about water freezing in the lower unit water pump, besides i parked uphill so the water would not drain out completely.

So if this motor can drain completely or using antifreeze you should be fine as others stated. I may not be an issue anyhow, i am not an outboard mechanic.

But if the seatrial goes well, i would agree on having the water pump serviced and lower unit oil changed on purchase.

- Nick

BTW, no doubt you will love the boat!

[catabiadj]

Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate the feedback. I hope all goes well, I can't remember the last time I was this excited about something.