number of hours on an outboard engine

[barryj]

what is considered low hours on an outboard engine? my father is looking at a used boat with a 175 hp yamaha.the owner of the boat says the engine has 290 hours.i think the engine is a 1998 model.thanks for any advice.

[alwysfshn]

i have a 95 ranger 482 vs dual console with an evinrude 150 hp and it has a little over 200 put an hour meter on it the day i bought it hope this helps

[CTFSHWHISKER]

does it have a meter or is that what the owner thinks is on it?20 to 50 hrs a year is about average.always do a leak down test on the cylenders that tells you what kind of shape it is really in,a motor with 50hrs that has been hot one good time can be in worse shape than a 500hr motor that has never been hot.look at all the block mating surfaces for signs of leaks.If there is a reputable shop around it is worth the money to have all this done.I would even go the cost of head gaskets and have the heads pulled off if i was going to buy a used engine.

[barryj]

the engine does have an hour meter. thanks guys for your helpful information