Should I be concerned about low hours on 250 SHO?

[WestTexasRanger]

I’m considering a one owner bass boat with a 2012 SHO 250. The owner is an older gentleman who, after buying boat, hasn’t had very many opportunities to use it, due to family health issues. It currently has 59 hours on it. The last service was performed two years ago @ 58 hours, so only 1 hour of use since then. Based on the condition of the entire rig, I doubt that it’s ever been abused.

I understand that Yamaha had some powerhead issues with the 2012 SHO (even ones with low hours), which resulted in numerous warranty claims. Unfortunately, this motor is well past the warranty period, so if it should BLOW, I’ll own a very expensive boat anchor.

The low hours translates into months and/or years that the motor wasn’t even started.

Would you be concerned about buying a 13 year old, hardly used 250 SHO?

[bgibson]

I would be more concerned with the SHO being a 2012 model year then lack of use. They had a lot of issues in the beginning. I would run the serial number through a Yamaha dealer or Yamaha customer service and find out if the powerhead was replaced. They had a free replacement period with an updated powerhead. The thrust bearings where a major problem that recall took care of.

[WestTexasRanger]

The powerhead is original. The only thing that’s been done to the outboard is routine maintenance, based on time (annual), not on hours.

[fly by night]

No

[WestTexasRanger]

No

No, as in “don’t do it”, or No, as in “there’s no reason to be concerned”?

[fly by night]

I wouldn't be overly concerned.

No, as in “don’t do it”, or No, as in “there’s no reason to be concerned”?

[MCIPinkie]

If you like the rig, go for it. You are buying almost a brand new motor that has enough hours to see that it ran. Do some normal due diligence, certainly including a test drive.

BTW - Regardless of what you read, most of the early SHO's did not blow up.

[KB1953]

They just made alot of oil!

[PSM207]

I wouldn't be afraid of it. What boat is it on?

[WestTexasRanger]

Ranger Z520

[JJohnSind]

I think the biggest concern is that that power head might be the one with the recall. If it is, and it’s still original, you may have an issue, and that has nothing to do with hours. The recalled motors were replaced under warranty for a reason.

[bgibson]

I think the biggest concern is that that power head might be the one with the recall. If it is, and it’s still original, you may have an issue, and that has nothing to do with hours. The recalled motors were replaced under warranty for a reason.

Like I said...