I find the Seafarer 6.0m boat I want, its a 1998 model, little older than Im looking as the older motors just arn't as good as the newer ones which are quiter, smoother, more economical and cleaner.
I'm not that worried about the age of the boat as its Lindsey Fry built and they have great reputation of being strong, tough well built boats that can handle a bit of rough water out side, stable at rest for fishing and fast for skiing.
I ring the seller today to be told that the 2stroke 225hp motor dropped a reed valve and it damaged the piston, cylinder and maybe the crank.
"yes mate, it can be fixed, I know a great mechanic"
I offer to buy the boat at around 8k under the listed price which the seller was interested in.
Now a new motor of that size is around 20k up to 25k for a 4stroke. New would be nice, but out of my price range.
So what do you guys think if I buy at the heavily reduced price.
Do I rebuild the mercury 225 (spend maybe 4k on it)
Do I find a newer second-hand motor, quick search on gumtree I found a 2005 Model 225hp Evinrude E-Tec HO and simular for about 10k
What advice can you guys offer, motors to stay away from, who sells and installs etc etc.......
PS. is any one near Margate Qld that knows boats and could take a look for me ? 
They are a good boat but I wouldn't be spending any money on the motor. I would be looking for a well maintained secondhand four stroke, they are very reliable and I have seen commercial ones with over 5000 hours still going strong. If the boat and trailer are good you could buy them now and just wait for the right outboard to come along, they do pop up regularly.
Just make sure you don't pay too much for it because the outboard on it now is pretty much worthless as it is.
no matter how well built, boats from that era all used porly coated ply for the stringers and transom. if it hasn't had the floor or transom rebuilt definatley get it checked by a marine surveyor. unless it's been kept ina shed it could be a time bomb needing expensive fibreglass repairs.
keep it out of the rain, elevated so it can drain well. any transom or floor penetrations need to be done carefully. Use sikaflex or oversize hole, fill with epoxy and then fasten to that.
as for the motor it's a big deep v hull and needs a lot of power to make it go. you are right up there in expense as you say with outboards.
I definatley would try and get a newer more fuel efficient outboard. It's scary how much fuel those big engines can chew.
Di two stokes can be as efficient as four strokes, but you need to buy synthetic oil to burn in them. Four strokes you need to change the oil and the servicing costs can be high. So really the difference isn't a lot. If you are handy you can service a DI two stroke yourself - a big saving. Of course you can do with anything but the DI 2's are really quite simple. Some four's have 50 hour service interval, some 100. services are expensive.
Etecs have poor resale and a largely undeserved rep. You should be able to find one or make an offer quite cheap.
Dont let high hours on any brand scare you if ou are after a bargain, a lot of ex commercial engines are late models but have high hours and are very cheap, but the average user wont see the hours to wear them out.
Also watch the transom weight on that hull. I suspect some of the fours might be too heavy for it. THe etec would be good, but offer him a low price. Make sure you get the right shaft length (extra long I suspect)
dont get a yamaha vmax.
and if you do decide to go cheap, you can get a second hand yammie 2 in that size range for peanuts. - cheaper than rebuilding the merc and better eng
AFAIK
You take a deep breath and hold it, then place your head in between .........
oh you said 'boat motor' advice....... 
Seafarer are a great rig as suggested and hold their value well. An older boat with a new or newer engine will also be a good package for re sale as people regard the hull design and build highly.
I would not re build the engine it simply is bad economics as it only worth about three to four grand running.
I would consider if you are to re power i would consider a second hand four stroke. I don't know the commercial market in NSW but i guess you'll soon find one if you ring around a bit. Find a late model 150 to 225hp and go that way. Make sure what you buy though ask there service history and don't buy one that looks like it been beaten senseless (cosmetically untidy) The water police motors are often a good option. Any sea rescue groups (well in wa they are well looked after)
I don't think you'll get away with it for under eight grand though. Id say something like around 7 to 8 for the motor (maybe a 2007 with 1000 hours maybe 1500 if neat looking) fit out i still think you could be up for another $1200 easy and then anything else you find. Id guess it will be more a $10000 to $12000 deal depending on motor.
Avoid motors that have come of a cat. Im not sure on the reputation of ex taxi motors?
HTH
Select to expand quotemyusernam said..
no matter how well built, boats from that era all used porly coated ply for the stringers and transom. if it hasn't had the floor or transom rebuilt definatley get it checked by a marine surveyor. unless it's been kept ina shed it could be a time bomb needing expensive fibreglass repairs.
keep it out of the rain, elevated so it can drain well. any transom or floor penetrations need to be done carefully. Use sikaflex or oversize hole, fill with epoxy and then fasten to that.
as for the motor it's a big deep v hull and needs a lot of power to make it go. you are right up there in expense as you say with outboards.
I definatley would try and get a newer more fuel efficient outboard. It's scary how much fuel those big engines can chew.
Di two stokes can be as efficient as four strokes, but you need to buy synthetic oil to burn in them. Four strokes you need to change the oil and the servicing costs can be high. So really the difference isn't a lot. If you are handy you can service a DI two stroke yourself - a big saving. Of course you can do with anything but the DI 2's are really quite simple. Some four's have 50 hour service interval, some 100. services are expensive.
Etecs have poor resale and a largely undeserved rep. You should be able to find one or make an offer quite cheap.
Dont let high hours on any brand scare you if ou are after a bargain, a lot of ex commercial engines are late models but have high hours and are very cheap, but the average user wont see the hours to wear them out.
Also watch the transom weight on that hull. I suspect some of the fours might be too heavy for it. THe etec would be good, but offer him a low price. Make sure you get the right shaft length (extra long I suspect)
dont get a yamaha vmax.
Having sold outboards for nearly 22 years i would disagree on the buying a Etec. They have a bad rep for a reason The amount of returns and warranty issues they have with only around 8% of the new market share should be of concern.
I like the Vmax Yamaha and have had a great run out of them. My understanding is that in the East they were widely used on the water taxis, but very few ever really used commercially in WA. TBF though they were never made as a commercial engine. They were designed to go fast on bass boats.
As for 4 stroke, well each service only has an oil filter and sump oil extra. SO maybe a $100 extra. (Yes in higher hours you can have tappets and belts also but not many people get that high, and New Tech 2 strokes have belts also) A manufacturer like Yamaha quotes around 25% better on fuel savings on a four stroke. If you've using 100 meters of fuel a year thats nothing. But if your running 100 hours a year thats way more saving than you could ever want.
My personal view is that on bigger engines the savings are more akin to 40% better fuel economy, and with no oil. Especially when you consider a ETEC needs oil at around $100 for 4 liters.
That doesn't mean i don't like two strokes. I love the Yamaha two strokes. They are quiet and smooth and hassle free, not that bad on fuel either. Merc's are a great option as they are value for money. Not as cheap and can be noisey but tend to be a bit thirsty on fuel.
MYusername what experience do you base your above recommendations on
Just curious not having a dig
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..
AFAIK
You take a deep breath and hold it, then place your head in between .........
oh you said 'boat motor' advice.......
Oh Mark, im so sorry to have miss lead you
ps, I think you have been looking at sexy girls on sup thread toooooooo much
I got some quotes for a marine surveyor, not too bad a price and good piece of mind if I buy, one even advised that with their report I may be able to bargin a little more on sellers price.
As for the motor I think its worth about 500 to a wreaker, not worth a rebuild.
As for a replacement, I think brand, size etc depends on whats out there.
Ill play the waiting game for a few days to see if I can get a better buy price 
Or a steel
dont buy it wait for what you actually want if your spending that amount of cash. ifhe is willing to drop 8k you may find what you actually want for 8k more witha quality motor, remember you want to use it not fix it. sometimes you think im saving a grand or two but than the hassle costs you twice that in time and weekends
Good point you make, I want to have it on the water not in a work shop.
Very few of the Vermont come up for sale and it is the boat I would like, others just don't make the grade IMO (but im willing to stand corrected)
Select to expand quoteCraig66 said..
Good point you make, I want to have it on the water not in a work shop.
Very few of the Vermont come up for sale and it is the boat I would like, others just don't make the grade IMO (but im willing to stand corrected)
That is the issue you will face. As i said the Eastern market is different. There may be some pain involved with buying the one you talked about, finding and fitting an engine. But if its the right price it should be fine..
Many Seafarrers came fitted with OMC motors and in that vintage the motors are very old school. Anything that has been re powered or is newer will obviously just be a lot more expensive.
They're a rare boat for a reason. Far better off with something more liquid. If you want Bluewater \ roughwater performance but would still like a nice interior maybe try a Haines signature. Sitting down in the rough is not ideal. You want a helm u can stand at. Jobs is right that etec do have at least their fair share of issues. I am not advocating buying new, more cashing in on their bad rep and getting a bargain. Not as bad as everyone makes out and I think the larger hp are more reliable. Have u looked at Yalta crafts?
Thanks for the heads up on Yalta, they are less dollars and look good, good reports, but not quite the finish quality.
Seem to have only 115 or 135 motors, (I do not know there max HP rating.)
I like the Vermont, lockable cabin, (Im 6.2 and can easily lay straight out)
I think im just a fan of it. Plus I found a 225 hp evinrude HO from a dealer that can fit up in a day at a pretty fair price.
Seafarer
Yalta 
Photos are just random from google
Who in WA is a boating expert (as in knows a good buy when they see it)http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/fremantle/motorboats-powerboats/seafarer-5-9-mtr-175-v6-evinrude-vberth/1085164570
After lots of looking this popped up today located at woodland point (woodys)
As WA is such a small place anyone know of this boat?
Any one interested in checking it out on my behalf ? (beers will be in the post)
Cheers
