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9 Tips For Buying An Outboard on eBayFinding a used outboard can be tough at times, but eBay is full of them. Here's 9 tips to help you find a good one and not get stuck with a lemon. 1. Review Photos Carefully: If there are a limited number of pictures, or fuzzy photos, it may not be an accident. Make sure you have pictures of both sides of the outboard, front, rear, handle if tiller, and both sides of the lower unit, including the prop. 2. Does The Outboard Run : Vague descriptions are a key indicator to proceed with caution. The old line "it ran last summer" or "it ran the last time it was used" is about as common as "the check is in the mail." 3. Confirm the year of the motor: Ask for the serial number of the motor if it is not listed. You can confirm the model year by looking "online" at motor manufacturer sites or your local boat dealer. 4. Factory Paint Only: Look carefully to see if the motor has been repainted or touched up with a quick paint job. If an outboard had to be repainted there's a reason, it was done to cover up repairs or abuse. 5. Stay Away From Saltwater Engines: Know if the state you're purchasing a motor from borders the ocean. If so, proceed with caution. Salt water motors have a very short life span and are worth a fraction of a similar freshwater motor. 6. Check into the Sellers Feedback Rating: Has the seller miss-represented a previous item, or shipped with poor packaging? Pay very close attention to the sellers rating, number of feedback responses, and the type of feedback. View specific feedback comments. I wouldn't purchase from an ebay seller with less than 50 feedbacks. 7. How will the motor be shipped: Cheaper is not always better. Motors must be properly packed so that they arrive undamaged. Some outboard sellers specifically state they will not be responsible for a damaged shipment. Be careful here. 8. Ask questions: Check to see if your questions are answered promptly and accurately. If you don't get a quick response to a question, imagine what will happen if you have a problem! 9. Don't be Afraid!: Overall there isn't a better place to find a good quality motor if you check out the facts before you buy. |
![]() Testimonials "Thank you! This was my first duck season and thnks to your online audio lessons I was able to call Mallards to my dekes and knock them out of the sky! Much appreciated!" "I have been waterfowl hunting since I was 13. It's a sickness, which i'm not trying very hard to cure. I found your site just a month, or so, ago, and am enjoying it very much. I hope you keep up the great articles and videos, and update the site as often as possible. I've read, and re-read every page on here, and like I said, I'm loving what you have here!" "Have to first say that I am amazed by your website. Lots of REAL and PRACTICAL stuff. I watched the videos on painting the drake mallard and it definitely was worth joining!" "The info you guys have built up on here is priceless. I got hooked on ducks and geese two years ago and don't know a whole lot about hunting techniques or strategies. This year I have had limited hunting outings as I'm in the military and been deployed allot, but using some of your suggestions, I have already seen improvements to my kill #'s." |