Blown Motor what next

[mazz888]

Good morning guys this is my first post and I love the site a lot of you guys have really nice rides. About a year and a half ago I bought a 23' 1983 seacraft with a 2003 225 evinrude engine and have loved every second of it. Until two weeks ago running back from the giant tuna ground the motor just stopped running and seized up, no clunking no alarms just died. I got a quote for a new e-tec to be right around 18000 when all is said and done. I don't know if its worth investing the money in a new engine or even enclosing the transom and adding a bracket now would be the time I guess. I had hoped that I would get at least 5 season out of the engine before this happened, right now I have a few "life" events on the books that need to be paid for.

Am I better off trying to sell the boat as is and look for a new boat with transom and bracket already done, or re-power my current boat. I have been looking for a used engine too.

I have no idea what the hull would even be worth electronics and trailer included any ideas?

This is not a for sale add so please don't think I am trying to slip this in without paying the fee, If we get to that point I will list here as well.

Thanks for any input Im lost right now!

Specs- 1983 SeaCraft 23 Center Console
· Master Angler Edition
· Large Console Model
· Fiberglass Hard top
· Custom aluminum T-Top
· Fiberglass locking overhead electronics box
· Flush-mounted electronics on console
· Dual Batteries
· 5 Panel canvas drop curtains
· Leaning post with 4 rod holders
· 147 gallon fuel tank
· Dual bilge pumps
· 10 swivel rod holders on gunwales
· Bi-fold transom door
· Bennett Trim Tabs
· Washdown pump
· In-deck live well
· Large raised storage area forward
· 15’ Lee Outriggers with dual clips

Electronics

· Radar – Furuno 1715 2kw LCD
· Bottom Machine – Furuno 582L
· Transducer – Airmar M260 1kw In-Hull
· Plotter – Northstar 951X
· GPS – Furuno GP 31
· VHF – ICOM M502 (new 2007)
· (2) Blue Seas six unit circuit breaker panels
· Blue Seas 12 unit fuse block
. Humminbird sidescan

Trailer

· 2006 Loadmaster 7000# GVWR
· Tandem axles
· Bunk system
· Additional forward bunks
· Dual axle brake system
· Loading guides

Pic of my baby in action

[Fr. Frank]

Depends on your wallet. You can spend half that and get a decent used motor.
You can buy a good used Etec 225-250 in the 2004-2008 era for under $10K. There ARE some good reputable used motor dealers out there.
ARG Marine in Palm Beach County, FL is one. They currently have a 2007 Etec 225 for $9500 asking, and an '04 Yamaha 300 HPDI for $9000. Their used motors are ones they have taken in trade on new stuff, and they thoroughly inspect every one.
No, I don't work for them. I think Denny bought his motor from them. Ask him.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

I would second Frank's option... I have gone back and forth on many occasions with the same question... repower as is and get a few more seaons and then bracket the boat if you desire..

[Bushwacker]

I agree with Fr. Frank. They sell a lot of used boats AND motors! Bought my motor new from ARG in the spring of 2006, and they've been a good outfit. Although I haven't needed much service in almost 500 engine hours, what work they have done was excellent. With 6 months to go on the 7 year warranty, I had a rough running problem at only 900 rpm for the first couple minutes after starting a cold motor. I think it was just dirty injectors and was going to pull 'em and send them to this outfit in Naples for cleaning http://fuelinjectorman.com/index.html , but the service manager got BRP to just replace all 6 injectors (worth $2400!) under warranty! It's now running like new and even burns a little less gas!

Sounds like you're in the NE, so you might also check Barnacle Bills @ http://www.barnaclebillsmarinesupply.com/index.html They also support this Owners Group forum http://www.etecownersgroup.com/file?id=1564268 that contains a lot of good tech info, similar to CSC in quality.

If you're looking at a used E-TEC, one unique feature you should be aware of is the Engine History report info that's stored in the EMM (engine computer). A dealer or anyone with a laptop and the diagnostic software (available to anyone) can download reports like the one below.
Denny

[kmoose]

Lot's of used quality 4 stroke outboards out there with under 1000 hours on them. I would look at a used Suzuki or Yamaha 250 from a reputable seller. Lot's of folks upgrading to the latest and greatest for age not hours. A solid 4 stroker can easily give you 2,000 hours of reliable service. The fuel burn improvement as well as not having to buy 2 smoker oil is an added bonus.

[cdavisdb]

Almost for certain, you will get much less for the boat with no engine, way less than it is worth. Either buy a cheapo engine and sell the whole rig or get a good used one and keep it.

[mazz888]

Great intel guys thank you. I am having trouble finding a good place in the north east to buy a used motor. I am assuming that i can have one shipped up from the south. Do you think it is safe to trust on the dealers mentioned without seeing the motor. I could always run down the the sunshine for a weekend if need be anyone know any good used motor dealers in the Northeast or cape cod area? Thank you again guys it's been a dark couple of weeks for me knowing that the bite just got going

[Bushwacker]

I wouldn't have a problem trusting ARG on an E-TEC they had been thru, but those motors need to be installed by a certified dealer that knows how to prime the oil system and run the BRP fuel system test to check for air leaks and flow restriction. Maybe you could arrange a limited warranty with them and a dealer up there for a few months. Don't know how their prices compare once you factor in shipping costs. Barnacle Bill's sells lots of motors so might be worth a call. Just don't buy a motor that was a victim of hurricane Sandy!

[eggsuckindog]

I agree with the above options, I would go Etec and consider shipping, Yamaha's in that size and year you'd be in have a corrosion issue in the exhaust area thats very expensive and hard to find.

Maybe BW could even go look at the motor since its his dealer and they sound reputable, I just know Etec has the fewest problems over the last 8 yrs.

[Bigshrimpin]

You might talk to the Hermit . . . . He had a lead on a nice 2003 Ficht 225 with lower hours for $3000'ish.