225HO out of commission….replace engine or entire rig???

Hey Guys,My 2001 Johnson 225HO is out of commission. Lower unit is crashed (shavings, etc). I was saving some money and finally decided to talk to the dealer this week. Dealer hasnt taken it apart yet...but he notes worse case scenario is $4000 (half way there...). YIKES, that hurts. Chances are very good that things are very foul given the shavings.I checked the NADA book on this engine and its just $5k on high side right now. Itll be hard to throw that kind of money into this engine considering its actual value. My Cougar is a 1999 model, so there is lots of life left in it.Maybe I am just searching for opportunity to get a new rig or a new engine....My wife said if repairs are $4k, then I am free to chase a new engine. I dont see any benefit in going with an Evinrude at this point as they arent that good on fuel. However, maintenance costs are low. I am disappointed in the ETECs fuel consumption and their price is a touch high -- $15k in the box.I got price on a 225 OPTI - looking at $13,800 in the box plus install, prop and equipment gets me to $16,600 after tax.225 PRO XS is $17,700 after tax. WOW! Thats some serious duckies. I havent priced a yammie, but I guess I am looking about the same I would suspect.My question here is: maybe its not such a bad deal to cut the ties with the Cougar and sell the engine (for repair) too. If I were to go this route, I would step down to the Pantera Classic. The Classic is a great rig and a good value. Dont need all that stuff the COugar has! Surely, the Classic will be better on gas than that current gas guzzler of the 225HO which gets about 2-2.75mpg.Anyone have any advice on getting new engine versus entire new rig? If I am gonna pay a note (5 years) is there really any value in going either direction?Any input is greatly appreciated...Thanks,Dan

This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 7 months ago by oldtimer57.

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September 2, 2007 at 12:59 am #302984

john1112
Participant

The Mercs are coming with a 5 year warranty now until April I believe.Something to consider.

September 2, 2007 at 1:26 am #302985

Basscat Dan
Participant

John,Youre right about the warranty for sure. Dealer noted that there was a 5yr warranty right now. THis makes a big deal when youre financing an engine (or a boat) for that matter.Its kind of funny, when I bought my engine new in 2002, it was for the low low price of $6200. I got an incredible deal. Now, 5-1/2 years later I am looking at a new one that will cost at least double (almost triple).Thanks,Dan

September 2, 2007 at 5:25 am #302986

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Im of the opinion that if you have the money then get the whole package. Buying a new motor and putting it on a new boat will depreciate the engine value much more on resale. Just my opinion and you have to do what is financially right for you. Good luck!

September 2, 2007 at 5:45 am #302987

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Dan, Surely there is a salvage area down there with a gearcase used. Or perhaps find a blown up or destroyed engine with a gearcase. Perhaps a gearcase that is hit and missing a skeg, though the gears are in tact. There are lots of reasonable options if you are willing to work on it more. Lots of small hatchet shops will have a gearcase they have parted out. You just have to find a small local garage service center. If you use a dealership, then they are going to have new parts and paid labor. If you are wanting great service and a warranty and service after the initial job, then a Marine Dealer with trained staff is for you. Though that comes with a cost. Whereas a small one man shop may be just trying to make a living and have what you need as well. Both types of marine service centers exist, and no doubt one is more reliable. Though in you case the other pinches pennies usually. BCB

September 2, 2007 at 3:01 pm #302988

Shap from La
Participant

Hey Dan, Sorry to hear of your troubles. I have an excellent mechanic shop that I use in Gonzales not for from Thomas marine. Its Simons outboard repair. I am more than certain that unless your whole case is destroyed he can get you fixed up for alot less than $4000. Probably more like $1200 for a rebuild and a remanufactured case for somewhere around $2500. I agree with Phil that a new motor on your boat would not be my first option, however, if you plan on keeping your cougar for many years it may be benificial to you. Also, A new Classic would be great, you know I love the Classics. E-mail me at coupel21@yahoo.com and lets talk about these options. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

September 2, 2007 at 4:15 pm #302989

oldtimer57
Participant

Theres a big one in Mobile, AL. You should be able to get a decent price on a lower unit and not break the bank. I bought a perfect gearcase down there a few years back for pennies on the dollar compared to a new one.2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200
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