Yup, total chick question about boat engine. Title says it all. I recently got thrown into this boat madness a month ago when my husband unexpectedly passed away. He left 16 big boats that im trying to diagnose/sell/sink (latter of those 3 options seems the most feasible right now) a guy stopped buy to buy an engine out of a small boat that is obviously beyond repair (the boat). Its a 140hp jasper. I just shot the price of 600 since the guy was looking at another for 450. I didnt think he would go the extra, he did. Now I have ppl telling me that these engines go for 4-5 grand easy.. so heres my dilemma.... where does one find the value of an engine that has 6 different serial numbers? Including manufacture dates etc. How does one find comparable pricing for sales purpose. Thanks for any info! Its greatly appreciated!
s/n on engine
jasper 205753
Merc transom 6714633
merc drive. 66977
merc marine s/n 6719832
mcm 120/140. 1389 8490

Assuming Jasper means Jasper engines in Indiana, all this means is they rebuilt it. Nothing special just standard rebuild. A new Reman 140hp 4 cylinder worth 3500 to 4000. A used motor is based on it's condition. Does it run, does it have good compression? Unable to start the motor maybe 1000, it does run good and have good compression maybe 3000

I would look at a place like michiganmotorz.com then compare new/Reman prices with your used one to get an idea.

what else do you have for sale and where are you located? you could probably sell some on here...

I would try to sell the boats complete, if you part them out then you will have to deal with the scrap that's left.

Sorry for your loss, and welcome to the madness! Lots of variables to deal with in getting to a value.

I'm really sorry to hear of you loss. I can't imagine.

There really is not a solid single answer for you.
There are two main components, the engine block and the outdrive... in most cases. Those will be your higher ticket items.

I agree with selling things whole. Just trying to dump boat carcasses after others have pulled parts can be a PITFA.

You may try to sell the WHOLE LOT to someone who strips boats and has the time, tools, and energy to get every last dollar out of them.
This would also depend on where you live. But this would be one chap to talk to:
Offshoreonly.com - View Profile: Sick Stinger

Did your husband have any marine mechanic friends that may be willing to help you out?
Do you want to squeeze every last dollar out, or do you just want everything gone?

Define big?
30 feet? 40 feet?

Agree with everything above.
Maybe even consult an auctioneer.

But will add in particular and it's conjecture.
In your original post and if the motor in question is indeed what you typed, no way in hell is any MCM 120 or 140 in a boat obviously beyond repair worth "4 to 5 grand easy"!
Unless the boat is maybe accident damaged and within a few years old, like within 5 years maybe depending on other factors but that's a maybe.
A boat "obviously beyond repair" in your scenario sounds like some 1981 runabout?
But as said conjecture without more info.

And in the 1981 case if the guy is giving you $600 for it and isn't hearing it run consider yourself way ahead. Matter of fact have him take the whole boat if it "is obviously beyond repair" at $600.

Location of boats ? Hurricane or auction boats ? Sizes and brands ?

Thank you! I appreciate the info! It does run good, compression is good, its a clean engine.

That would be great if I could. He bought project boats, but didnt get into the work aspect of "project." Lol i live about 30 miles north of Nashville TN.
Boats... Theres so many boats..lol... here we go
1.) 39ft. 1973 kings craft houseboat, aluminum hull. The engine is a crap shoot. It is supposed to run, or it did when docked at the marina 25 years ago. Overall not a bad boat. The interior needs updating but boat is free from leaks, floats and is for sale.
2.) Bright yellow cigar boat (shell). Supposedly it belonged to George Strait. Whether he ever knew it or not is certainly anyones guess. It does not have an engine. Halon system is still functional even though it was banned from production in the 1990s. Looks like a big hollow banana
3.) 1989 24ft slickcraft. Boat has replacement engine partially installed. Boat looks to be in pretty good shape, no leaks, recently painted bottom.
4.) 24' carver. Needs engine, interior and exterior could use paint, updating. Late 80s to mid 90s. No trailer
5.) mid 90s bayliner ski boat. Engine starts, 18ft i think. With trailer
6.) 24' seaswirl. Needs quite a bit of work. Engine is bad, interior is pretty much gutted, not even sure it would float!
7.) 32' 1972 marinette, new edelbrock carbs for both engines, new fuel tank, aluminum hull recently coated, a bunch of electronics, cabin sleeps 6 i think. No leaks, well taken care of, comes with trailer, engines BOTH run. Originally came from louisiana i believe. Interior is in good shape, lots of wood trim. This is a fishing charter kinda boat.
8.) 24' center console with 120 hp outboard. It runs and floats and has trailer.
There are 3 other boats that are likely garbage, cuddy cabim type boats, damage to hulls and no trailers... id give them away if someone had the means to get them.

I would like to get as much as possible for them, just dont have much help repairing or updating their interiors. Everyone he knew brought boats to him, so i really have no one to ask for help. The couple people i tried werent much compared to the knowledge they claimed to have prior. Kinda made a bigger mess than when they started.Weather is getting cold quick and that tends to slow down mechanics, especially marine mechanics.