with proper maintence and useage 3K is a definite possibility. And Frankly it happens frequently with comercial use, CG, HM, commercial guys, and even some guides in FL. I would not expect to see 3K, as I do not know too many guys that can get away from work that often.
I would rather own a newer outboard with high hours than an older outboard with low hours. The sitting/infrequent use is a killer.
I do not think all outboards suck I just think some people do not maintain them and expect them to operate as well as a car.
You must keep an eye on your engine, use good oil ( a whole different debate
) Decarb ever 100 hours, and watch your filters for water, and gunk.
Think about it, your outboard spends 24/7 hanging a few inches above corrosive saltwater when not in use and extends into the drink when operating at sometimes high rpms when in use!!. Of course many keep their boats on the trailer so it is not the case for all.
I am not stating all outboards are equal there are exeptions to my thoughts and some outboards may detonate with in 2-300 hours but that is just crap luck. Many of the Merc Optis had these issues from 1999-2002 I have had the misfortune of being crew on a boat with (3) new 2002 225 Opti's only to have one fully operational with in 3 hours of a tournament.
To answer your question I would like to see 2500 hours from my properly maintained outboard but only expect 1750-2000
I hope writing this was not bad luck, watch me throw a rod this weekend
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