Ranger 620 without Motor?

[Lovgren69]

I recently came across a 2003 Ranger 620 which appeared to be in very nice shape. The only catch is the boat is being sold without an engine and controls. The seller is asking $12,900 for the boat, and I was curious if this was a good deal?
Looks like repowering with a new 225 Mercury Opti or Pro XS would cost in the neighborhood of $14,000, but I'm thinking that I might be able to find a used motor for alot less.
Just wanted to get an idea of how much hassle and extra cost would be involved for the wiring, mounting, and set-up, and any other misc. items involded with undertaking a project like this?
Please advise if you can offer anymore input as to whether or not this would be a wise purchase.
BTW, right now I have a 1995 Ranger 690 w/a 150 Mercury, but this rig would definetley be a substanial upgrade for me. Thanks...

[2Labs]

You might look here on the price of the motorless boat.

http://www.nada.com/

Just follow the screens through the process.

Can't tell you what the odds of finding a decent used motor is.

But, I have a friend who replaced a deceased motor (destroyed lower unit totaled by the insurance company) on an 8-year-old boat (boat and motor he had bought new) with a new motor and used it happily for another 5 years before trading it in.

I have another friend who did the same thing on a 5-year-old boat (also a destroyed lower unit totaled by the insurance company). That was 7 years ago and he is still using it.

That doesn't mean it was a smart move total value-wise (I have no idea if it is a good idea or not), but it did make each of them happy.

Good luck with whatever move you make.

[ozarkeyes]

Maybe a boat dealer might help you. The NADA has strange way of prices for Rangers. Since 1989 all boats are priced with trailer, trolling motor and depth finder. And if there is a * next to model number then the outboard motor is included in price. You will notice all the models have an * next to them. Maybe NADA can clear this up if you contact them.

[ozarkeyes]

It just dawned on me, maybe can look up value of say 2003 225hp Optimax, and subtract that from the Ranger value, and it might get you closer to the boat and trailer value. NADA has outboard values too.

[Hot Runr Guy]

I like these DIY packages, I ran my 17' Lund for a season with a 9.9 on it, waiting for the right motor deal. I think you may be underestimating the cost of a new motor package, once you add controls, prop, correct gauges, etc. I guess it depends on your patience level, and how long you want to search for a good 200/225. While you can find those used, an awful lot of them seem to be offshore (ie: saltwater) motors. Another site has a water ski team selling used 2008 Evinrude 225's for $12K, no controls, etc. There is a 2003 620/225 w/15hp kicker in the WC classified for $24K (USD). The 2008 620's/225 are in the mid $30's. I think you'd need to get the hull/trailer closer to $10K, to give you some options to work with motor wise.
HRG