Used outboard motor refurbish and resale

Budget-minded boat owners, anglers, people repowering a small boat and DIY boaters.

The gap between buying price plus parts and your resale price, with extra from selling spare parts and offering basic service.

• Outboard testing and repair
• Judging a motor's value before buying
• Writing honest listings and taking good photos

• Check your city zoning, any home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules for running a workshop at home
• Check your state for any registration, bill of sale or motor ID rules when reselling engines
• Avoid stolen engines, record serial numbers and sellers' details
• Used engine sales can lead to disputes, be clear about what is guaranteed
• Store fuel and dispose of oil and fluids properly

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many engines you buy up front and the tools you need for testing and servicing. Buying carefully matters, since you resell at a margin.

Check your city zoning, any home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules for a home workshop. Also check your state's registration, bill of sale or motor ID rules for resale, and how to store fuel and dispose of oil and fluids properly.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many engines you buy, service and sell. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Be clear about what each sale guarantees.