I try to use OEM outboard parts, but some of them are hard to find for an older engine, and some are extremely expensive. Do you trust using aftermarket parts? I have used some parts from the company Sierra and they seem to fit and hold up very well. Anyone have any experience using aftermarket parts, good or bad?

If there's a large discrepancy in price I'll try the cheaper aftermarket part.  Sometimes they suck and you need the OEM part.  A good example are the SEI lower units.  At 1/3 the price of an OEM I have a couple of friends that have had good luck with them.

I'm of the same thought as @Alex from GA. If the part is significantly cheaper, then I will use it on an older rig. Although I support using OEM. I just need to be fiscally responsible tho. My boat is turning 5 so I still opt for straight up replacements.

 

Good luck

I agree with @Jigfishn10 and @Alex from GA I weigh out the options and how difficult it is to replace and what happens if the part fails. It it going to be a catastrophic failure or just ruin my day.

Both OEM and  aftermarket new parts can fail.

Hard choice sometimes.

I use  https://www.boats.net/ for aftermarket parts. I’ve had real good service from them too. I can’t promise you’ll get the same, but I’ve had a good track record with them.

I've been working on outboard motors as a hobby for the last 3 or 4 years now. I tried the amazon parts here and there and they're mostly junk. I will only buy OMC parts unless I absolutely cant find something then Sierra it is. Buy once, cry once is my philosophy. Also breaking down on the river isn't an option for me in this life. 

Found parts for my 1970 Mercury 20hp 2-stroke here...www.oldmercs.com

 

Found a few parts on eBay used. Thankfully did not need to go the aftermarket route. 

 

Buy-once-cry-once, and get the best parts you can. Will be cheaper in the long run. 

If the OP has a 35 hp Evinrude (0MC) now out of business! The choices are original from sources who stock them, knock offs from who knows where, or scavenge an old engine.

Best source is Way2slow, Kieth is a wonderful resource, pm him.

Tom

Curious what year the 35hp OMC Evinrude is?

 

I have a 1987 35hp OMC Evinrude and also need to source parts. Just replaced the fuel pump and not sure if it is OEM or aftermarket to be honest, but it works. So that's 2 of us needing parts sources.

1 hour ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

Curious what year the 35hp OMC Evinrude is?

 

I have a 1987 35hp OMC Evinrude and also need to source parts. Just replaced the fuel pump and not sure if it is OEM or aftermarket to be honest, but it works. So that's 2 of us needing parts sources.

Actually mine is a 1987 88hp Evinrude. Sometimes those OMC parts can be hard to find. If I cannot find original parts I have been using Sierra and so far no problems. I do think OEM is best if possible.

If I can't find an OEM part for my 73 E-start 25hp 'Rude local - I'll go to Boats.Net - never NOT found the part I needed....ya, it's a bit more expensive, but for OEM, I'll pay that extra