Need help from the boat (motor) experts

[txpitdog]

Alright folks, I could really use some help on a tempting proposition my wife's parents have presented us. They have a 2001 22' Kenner bay boat with a galvanized trailer that they need to sell. The boat does not have a motor, and they have no interest in dealing with putting on a motor to help increase the sale value.

They've offered to let my wife and I buy it for $5k and just pay it when we can over whatever length of time we need to do to pay it off. I'm pretty sure $5k for this boat is a good deal, but the problem is the motor (or lack thereof).

So here's our questions...

1. What is the minimum size motor you'd put on a 22' bay boat? It needs a 25" shaft.

2. Are there places we could look for "certified pre-owned" motors? I've looked at boatmotors.com, and a new Johnson/Evinrude 115hp looks like its going to be $7-8k.

3. If we buy a motor somewhere, approximately how much additional cost are we going to have to pay to have the thing mounted/installed and ready for the water?

4. Anything else we should consider before burning Benjamins?

We weren't really looking to buy a boat, but we're strongly considering it. First, we know the boat and trailer have been very well cared for. Second, for the amount of money we'd be spending on this boat and a motor, we'd be getting a whole lot more boat and in a whole lot newer/better condition than we would elsewhere. Still, motors ain't cheap, and we don't want to rush into it.

Thanks,
Morgan

[Buckrider]

Minimum powerplant? A trolling motor will get you there. And don't forget the $2,000 yearly screw fee if it passes.

[Ricky T]

I've got the same boat. You COULD put a 115 on it but the boat will handle much better with a 150. But I repeat, you could get by with a 115.

Personally I would not buy a used motor from anyone I didn't know or trust completely. The motor should come with gauges and controls and anyone with semimechanical knowledge can help you rig it. If you go new I would work the riggin in with the deal.

I'd have a GPS, depthfinder and trolling motor on it for serious fishing which will run you another two-thousand or so including batteries.

Even if you go with a new motor you could rig the boat completely functional for ten thousand which would put you with fifteen in. You could turn around and sell it for twenty or go catch some big trout and redfish with your new toy.

Peripherals like insurance, tags, storage and gas come into play but it's the price we pay to play. Good luck with your project. I'd like to know what you decide.

[zztex]

txpitdog,
pm sent