Buy something with warranty and have it checked out by a shop.

Just wondering. What engine was this? Seems like something was wrong from the start. I'm curious about what caused the failure?

The Skeeter ZX series is great fishing platform with a wide front deck, dry ride and handles rough water as well as any modern bass boat. As stated by others the SHO had problems with the crankshaft trust bearing and rings not seating AKA making oil. The word on the street is the issues have been resolved. Addressing warranty and used outboard engines I personally would not buy any used outboard without warranty with the exception of a super bargain. For example if I had to repower on my own dime the over all cost would still be acceptable.

I have a 2013 ZX with poles. 158 hours Warranty until 2019. 998 Humminbird graphs. Pm if you want more info

If you will come see the experts at a boat dealership like us at fun-n-sun you can come see a great selection of new and used boats that would fit your needs and expectations and let me put my 27 years of experience in the bass boat industry to work for you, and get facts about brands instead of opinions.
Thanks,
Fain Caldwell
Fun-N-Sun Boats
817-280-0303

I wouldn't be afraid of the SHO. Our bay boat has around 380 hours now, it's a 2012, and (to this point) have had no issues. It is a very strong engine. I would be scared of an e-tec though, my grandpa's is on its fourt lower unit and he never runs wot. I have nothing to say against Mercury, they're fast and reliable.

There is some funny comments on this thread.

Id buy a Sho or Merc anytime. both good and own the market.

I have a 2015 ZX 225 with 42 hours on it if interested it is in the boat section.

I would shop around and maybe pick out 3 boats you like, Skeeter, Bass Cat and Legend let's say. After looking for a few weeks you will start to see which age and model has what you want and can afford. Next, find some clean ones that you would consider buying and go drive them. Nothing beats getting them on the water and seeing how the deck is laid out and how they drive, that's my .02. I did this and found a Bass Cat I had to have and have been very happy.