How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on Boatsy.co.uk
How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on Boatsy.co.uk
Have you got an old, broken, or non-running outboard lying in the shed? Don’t scrap it just yet — there’s money to be made. Many boaters are desperate for used spares to keep their older engines running, and Boatsy.co.uk is the perfect place to sell them.
This guide walks you through stripping down an old outboard safely and preparing the parts for sale.
Why Strip an Old Outboard?
- Individual parts sell better than a complete non-runner.
- Many spares are now obsolete — meaning demand is high.
- Lightweight items are cheap to post, increasing your buyer pool.
- You turn a dead engine into £50–£300 worth of parts, depending on model.
Tools You Will Need
- Socket set and spanners
- Screwdrivers
- Rubber mallet
- Penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40)
- Magnetic tray for bolts
- Zip-lock bags for small parts
- Marker pen for labelling
- Phone or camera for photos
Step-by-Step: Stripping the Outboard
1. Clean the Outside First
Give the engine a quick scrub so dirt doesn’t fall into the internal components. You don’t need it spotless — just clean enough to work on.
2. Remove the Cowl
Lift off the engine cover and set it aside. Cowls sell well, so avoid cracking it.
3. Disconnect the Fuel System
Remove the carburettor, fuel pump, primer bulb, and fuel lines. These items are often the most in-demand spares.
4. Strip the Ignition System
Carefully remove the coils, spark plug leads, CDI unit, and stator plate. These electronic parts are valuable, especially on older Yamaha, Mariner, Mercury, and Johnson/Evinrude engines.
5. Remove the Carburettor
Label any jets, screws, or linkages and bag them separately. A complete carburettor assembly can fetch a surprising amount.
6. Remove the Powerhead (Optional)
If the bolts come out easily, lift the powerhead off the mid-section. Even seized blocks can sell for restoration projects.
7. Drop the Lower Unit
The gearbox is one of the highest-value parts. Remove the bolts and gently lower it. Even a damaged gearbox casing can sell on Boatsy.
8. Salvage Small Parts
Don’t forget the little things:
- Starter motor
- Recoil starter
- Throttle linkage
- Propeller
- Trim tab
- Steering bracket
- Cowling catches
People search for these all the time.
Preparing Parts for Sale
1. Clean Each Part
Wipe off grease and give the parts a quick spray with WD-40. Clean parts sell faster and for more money.
2. Label Everything
Use a marker and masking tape to label each item with the model and horsepower of the engine it came from.
3. Take Clear Photos
Lay the part on a white background and take shots from multiple angles. Include part numbers where visible.
4. Write Honest Descriptions
Buyers appreciate accuracy. Mention if a part is tested, untested, damaged, or seized.
Listing on Boatsy.co.uk
Once everything is clean, labelled, and photographed, it’s time to list your parts.
Tips for Good Listings:
- Use clear titles like: “Yamaha 6hp Carburettor — Complete — 1998 Model”
- Include the engine’s serial number.
- Be honest about condition.
- Offer postage where possible — it increases your buyer reach.
- Bundle small parts to save time.
What Parts Sell the Best?
- Cowls and covers
- Carburettors
- Gearboxes / lower units
- CDI/ignition parts
- Starter motors
- Props
- Fuel pumps
Final Thoughts
Stripping down an outboard isn’t as hard as it sounds, and the parts market is booming. Whether your engine is seized, unreliable, or just too old to bother repairing, selling the parts on Boatsy.co.uk is a great way to earn some extra cash and help keep other boaters on the water.
Happy tinkering — and happy selling!
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