New to mud motors, looking at a Mud Buddy 25 Kohler. Appears that the handle has been broken off and re-welded. Asking price is $1600 firm, is this in line? Also, anything I should look for? Thanks for any help

What year? How many hours? How does it runs both in and out of the water? Any pics so we can help with obvious issues?

I bought the same motor, a 2001 model, for $1200. Depending on condition and age $1600 isn't to bad IMO.

It's a 2003, the seller is the second owner. He says that high speed is 13, 10 average on a 1548 express, but says that his hull is beat up bad. No tach/hour meter. I'm going to look at it tomoro. I have no idea what to look for as in wear and function. Again, any help is greatly appreciated.

more pics

The prop looks like it may have seen some rocks, but it could be the picture. That could be an issue, but props are easy to replace, and a new prop will run you about $200 from MB. If the prop is worn try and talk him down to $1400.

Other than that all I can see is cosmetic, rust and whatnot, looks like a well used and cared for motor.

Is it normal for the handles to bend/break to the point that they need to be re-welded? Has your 2001 been a good one? What size prop do you run and how does it push your boat? Thanks Pale for taking the time to help me through this. I don't want to let a deal slip by, just don't want to get screwed.

I wouldn't say it's normal, I suppose it could happen though. Did he say it broke?

I have been well pleased with mine. I get around 17 mph with just me and 14 with another big guy and gear, 12 with me and my dog, my friend and his son and our duck hunting gear. A couple of weeks ago I went and trapped some crawfish, had close to 1500 lbs in the boat and managed to get on plane with some tinkering with weight distribution. These are strong motors and will serve you well.

I have a 9x6 tiger prop on currently.

Take it for a test drive if possible, it may run great out of water, but have some problems that only show up under a load in the water. Other than that, looks like a good deal!

you will get better speeds with a new 9x6 prop. that one is worn. should do 17-18 easy after the change governed at 4000.

I've broken a handle or two before, using the skeg as a push pole and levering the boat around. I upgraded to a schedule 80 pipe handle, no problems since. Don't worry about the handle, really shouldn't be an issue.

condition the motor itself is in is most important. HRS? oil? grease in tube? seals ok?

No idea on the hours, how do you know if the seals are good? Is there any way to tell if it's been run low on grease? Any tips on what to look for?

is oil leaking around the engine crank shaft? do not want.

put a grease gun on the shaft tube zerk and fill tube with grease after removing peep hole screw.
replace peep hole screw and pressure up the tube with the grease gun a few squirts. does grease come out the top or bottom of the tube? if so, bearings and/or seals need to be changed. not a huge deal to replace, but you need to know before you buy.

I run at 2002, same make and h.p. motor.

It needs a new wheel. ($200)

Check integrity of the weld on the handle. Hard to tell from the picture but it looks like small angle was welded underneath handle for support. Not sure how long that will last. I broke my handle off last season and a buddy drove sold rod inside it and welded it all up tight.

Have owner demonstrate how to remove prop...........if he WON'T, odds are very good he CAN'T! Now you need to budget an additional $100 for a new shaft. Budget more if you have to hire out the repair..

Offer $1200.

those MB handles are very weak where he welded it at, most are made to be removed and are only held on with a lock pin. I would just clean it, prime and paint. longtails are simple and very reliable, check lower seal by the prop, that's usually the first to go, just replaced mine for $15.. not a big problem. the motor can be your biggest problem, electrical, fuel, and ignition, just take it for a spin.

Thanks for all the input, just bought a 2003 16hp Vanguard GDLT for $650. Bout to start a new thread on what boat to put it on.