Outboard engines which are run daily, such as Coast Guard, harbor patrol, some commercial operations--much of which is at lower speeds, can get up to 8,000 or even 10,000 hours on some engine. In recreational boats, Generally unless we know that the engine was used in fresh water, or salt water, where it was flushed with fresh and or salt a way, each time it is used, would be considered hi hours at 2,000 hours, and if I was buying I would discount the cost of a new engine--probably in the $15,000 to $18,000 if factoring in upgraded steering and binnacle and instruments.