Looking for 1960s 75hp, need advice on what I should look for.

[duffner]

Hi everyone! I’m glad to take part in these forums but I now have a question where experience comes in.

I have a 1965 Starcraft Nassau 16ft boat that I love. However the 1964 Evinrude I have is a little underpowered for the occasional water skiing I’d like to do.

I want to keep the boat period original and as such I’m looking at 1960s 75hp Evinrudes. I’m open to other manufacturers but Id like for to have recommendations. I found a 1963 and 1968 75hp Evinrude, which I’d like opinions on first. I heard they are gas guzzlers, is there anything that should turn me off to either ? Are the big Mercs something to look at? I’ve been OMC for everything, so I don’t know them well but need options.

I look forward to everyone’s feedback!

 

[racerone]

Look for a 1966 model Johnson 100 HP.

 

[F_R]

What horsepower is your 1964? Gas might not be that bad in comparison, if you are underpowered and struggling just to go. As for the 1963 and 1968, I would avoid the electric shift models. Hasten to add, I love the electric shift models, but some parts are obsolete and/or outrageously expensive.

I'm not a Merc fan. My wife won't let me have one anyway because she remembers how mean and hateful I was when I came home after I'd been working on one.

 

[jimmbo]

PThere was no 75 hp in 68. It was replaced by the 80 in 66, and that was upgraded to an 85 in 68

Those 2bbl carbed V4s were harder on gas than the 4 bbl 90 hp(64-65) and 100 hp(66-68) versions

Those pre 1969 V4s(not counting the 100hp)had very small dia(about 10") props, and almost no torque multiplication via a 23:20 gear ratio. Not really the best for pulling skiers up. Plus the selection of props was about 5, when they were in production. The 100s did have more gear reduction, and turned larger props, and did have much better hole shot. 1969 was a major overhaul for the OMC V4s

 

[racerone]

Need long shaft or short shaft ?------Some of the parts for the 100 HP electric shift are dirt cheap now , compared to years ago !!

 

[duffner]

jimmbo thanks for the information. The engine ad lists 75hp for the 68. I guess they’re wrong. Even if it’s 85, that would likely be too much for the 16ft aluminum boat. The max HP listed on the chassis is 75 so I probably shouldn’t go bigger. Or does that not matter? I’m a bit of a boat newb, since the HP isn’t listed on the engine maybe I don’t have to worry. Any thoughts?
F_R thanks, the current 64 I have is a 40hp big twin. Maybe I don’t need 75 hp, but I want a solid engine. This 40hp works fantastic and has been incredibly reliable, but ya know. The Tim Allen ‘more power’ bug has bitten me. Lol.

Maybe theres something in between that I should consider?

 

[duffner]

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This is the boat and current engine

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[jimmbo]

No image(s)

As for replacing with "something in between"... well there were the V4 60(64-67) and 65(68) hp. There is also the 68 55hp, but, all of these engines are over 50 yrs old, and some parts are hard, if not impossible to find. I guess you could find another 40hp and add a second engine. Twin props will really make it a wonderful tow boat

 

[duffner]

jimmbo haha. Twin props, now there’s a project, custom
cables sound like a blast lol.
Anyways, I found a 1963 75hp for $400 that’s in good running order. It was a garage kept original.
The 1968 was the same story but I don’t think the extra 10hp and pain for the electronic shift goodies are worth it.

Im thinking I might pick up the 1963, winterize the 40hp as a spare. Who knows, I’d hate to go through all this and notice a difference in power.

P.S I appreciate all your feedback.

 

[jimmbo]

I like the Electric Shift, well engineered, and if properly maintained with the correct oil, and not abused by shifting at high speeds, it will last a long time. The shifts are velvet smooth

 

[duffner]

Ok. So my hull tag says 75hp max, if I bought the 68 85hp would I have anything to worry about?

 

[F_R]

Ok. So my hull tag says 75hp max, if I bought the 68 85hp would I have anything to worry about?

Yeah, worry about ambulance-chasing lawyers if you have an accident.

 

[F_R]

A 16' aluminum boat should fly with any of the V-4s. Unless it is a lot more boat than I envision.

EDIT: Well let me re-state that. The skinny V4 gearcase isn't as fast as it looks and is not a racing unit. But it should give an exciting ride.

 

[duffner]

A 16' aluminum boat should fly with any of the V-4s. Unless it is a lot more boat than I envision.

EDIT: Well let me re-state that. The skinny V4 gearcase isn't as fast as it looks and is not a racing unit. But it should give an exciting ride.

Thanks for the info! I just want a little more get up and go! The boat plains out with the 40, but barely and only on crystal smooth water. So I’m guessing almost doubling the HP should help. .

I think I’m going to pursue the 63, and see what happens.

 

[duffner]

Most of the time on the boat will be spent fishing, but for the 4 times a year it’s dual purpose I don’t want to get a new boat to pull some young skiers and to go out on bigger water.

 

[racerone]

The 75 maximum.-----Does that say " decal power " ?-----Propshaft rated power ?----Powerhead rated power ?------Some would likely be OK with installing a heavy 4 stroke 75 hp prop rated on it as well.-----These maximum ratings were from years ago.-----It is all different now !

 

[duffner]

So I wanted to continue the conversation.

The 75hp is quite far away. I found a 60hp 64 Evinrude locally.

Is that worth it or should I wait to find a big motor?

i mean a 100hp on small boat seems like a party but what do you guys think. Is that too much motor?

 

[F_R]

The 60 will run within 2mph of the 75 and burn less gas doing it. Otherwise they are almost the same motor.

 

[oldboat1]

Thinking you might be carrying some extra weight in that hull -- water under the floor? Talking about quite a lot of power on a light boat, with disappointing results.

 

[duffner]

oldboat1, I don’t think it’s pulling around any water. I mean the boat always has the drain plug removed when trailering after use. The 40hp moves it around pretty good, but I’m not exactly a small guy at 250lbs and sometimes 4 of us in the boat. That’s why I wanted to go bigger, it’s fine when it’s just me.
F_R. You don’t think I’ll regret the 60hp over a 75? From the early posts. It almost seemed like 100hp or bust lol. My hull tag says 75hp obc certified max. The 60hp is an hour away vs the 75 about a 5 hour drive. If fuel is better on the 60. I think I’d notice a big step up from the 40hp big twin right ?

Im open to looking for alternatives to what I requested as long as it’s a 60s - early 70s engine and its a big step up from what I have.


Everyone please excuse the junior questions as I’m learning about what I need. I very much appreciate everyone’s advice!