View Full Version : Buying a Merc 9.9 4-stroke
EricCO
04-24-2001, 06:20 AM
I'm checking out a used 1998 Merc 9.9 4 stroke long shaft tonight. It will go on my Starcraft Superfisherman 170 with a Merc 115.
Any ideas or tips on buying a used kicker?
I know nothing about 4 strokes, so any help you can give me would be well received.
Make sure the tilt bracket is not shot. First thing to go on these motors.....
FYI - price on that motor new 2001 here in MN was about $2350. That was just the basic electric start tiller, not installed.
I'm sure you have been doing your price research, but thought I'd throw that in in case...
Good luck!
Box
Box, you reminded me of the electric start feature.....
Boy am I glad I got electric start!! These motors can be cold blooded at times or a bear to restart.... I've got a couple friends that get so dang frustrated trying to pull-start them they (the motors) are on the verge of being boat anchors!
If it aint got electric start, I'd keep looking.
EricCO
04-24-2001, 11:15 AM
it is a 1998 long shaft no electric start and it is going for $1450 which www.nadaguides.com says is average retail. If the sellers story is true, then the motor should be better than average. He claims 5 hours on it. In Colorado, if you can get marine equipment for what it's worth, it is a deal.
Now I could get all you midwesterners a great deal on skis or snowboards, but.....
Thanks
I have a merc 4-stroke(2000) It runs great!! Quiet and purrs like a kitten. When cold, just leave the ckoke on for a little bit to warm up. Usually starts on the second pull if not the first. I use it as kicker on my 18ft.
I've got a '96 model, Merc 9.9, four stroke. It's a little cold blooded the first time in the spring. After that no problem starting. I found the 20" shaft to be a little on the short side for my Mr. Pike 17. One thing you will need is some sort of a kicker suppert bracket. I've got the Pro Fish One. Gregory
The Merc 9.9 four stroke is a good choice for a kicker. I don't understand the badmouthing of these engines because they run smoothly and quietly. There is a fair amount of compression on the manual start ( which mine is) but not THAT difficult to start. After a winter in storage on my Ranger, it started on the first pull. Plus, I like the three year warranty.
EricCO
04-24-2001, 05:55 PM
Well, I didn't end up getting it. After driving for an hour to check it out, find out the guy bought it off ebay, the serial number wasn't on it, he drilled a hole in the skeg for some odd reason, the copilot switch was gone, and the oil fill cap was stripped and had to be taken off with pliers. I think it was a rebuilt. Didn't "smell" right, so I passed.
I hate it when people don't tell you the whole truth over the phone.
Thanks for your help guys.
Good choice. No serial, no purchase. Smart thinking.
I hope you find a good one! I was going to get the Yamie T8 (even though I am big Merc fan) but Uncle Sam stole my $$ on April 15. Maybe next year :)
Box
rabble rouser
04-24-2001, 08:05 PM
If you live close to Canada that is the place to get one. I just bought a 2001 Mercury 9.9 4-stroke Bigfoot, electric start, 20" shaft for $2100 American. They are putting trim & tilt on for $300 more. I couldn't find anything close to that in the States, plus there is no tax or duty.
BigBass~
04-24-2001, 09:57 PM
I am also looking for the same 9.9 4-stroke to buy.... So look for me also! I do have a pre-rig kicker kit coming with the boat and am wondering if I can modify a tiller to work or do I have to find a control ready one? It's hard enough finding these 9.9 4's used... I will never find one control ready!
If anyone knows of one for sale, email me please.
I should clarify Cold!! I'm talking air temps in the mid 20's to mid 30's. (Sometimes colder) Water temp a degree above freezing. That's the conditions we fish in all winter here in MN on the river.
Ditto! Best part I love is trolling ALL DAY on less than a gallon of gas! Sure beats the running the big one.
Steve(CO)
04-25-2001, 12:54 PM
Eric:
I put a new 9.9 4-stroke electric start on my new 1700 Fisherman. What a sweet motor. It sounds like my cat purring when I'm trolling; quiet and incredibly smooth. I can set the idle down to where I can't believe the thing keeps running without stalling. And I only have a few hours on it, so it is not even broken in yet. It is definitely the way to go. I doubt much has changed in the last few years since the engine has been around a while. Good luck in finding a used motor, but you are right in being wary. Make sure you have the full pedigree.