1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

[mgriesen]

I have inherited an old Johnson Seahorse 10hp motor. The model number is QD14 and the serial number is 1057180. I would like to find out what year this was made and also some tips on getting it running. The coils have leaked and are no good, so no spark. Where can I purchase these and what should I ask for? Also, what else do I need to check and is this motor even worth getting into. I will be using it on a 15 foot MFG (with a 35 hp Evinrude) on smaller lakes in the area that require 10hp or less. If it would not be worth fixing for use, do people collect these and how do I contact them (with this I also got 4 Evinrude/Johnson 18hp motors that are older also)? Thanks in advance for your help<br /><br />Mike<br />griesen@adelphia.net

 

[JB]

Re: 1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

Howdy, Mike.<br /><br />The QD-14 is a 1953. They were great little engines and I consider them well worth keeping in service.<br /><br />You should be able to get new coils at any JohnnyRude dealer.<br /><br />While you are there, get a new impeller for the water pump and you might as well put a kit in the carb as well.<br /><br />As for your 18s, if you will post the model numbers, you may find some folks who are interested.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

I think your seahorse is a 50 to 55 model, but don't have my copy of the Old Outboard Book by Peter Nunn close at hand. That's a good $10 investment if you're into old outboards. I recently bought a 5 hp Gale, 50 to 55 model, off ebay and redid the magneto (coils, points, condensers) for about $60. Ask your boat guy for which tune-up kit you need. If it shifts well and pumps water well and isn't abused, I'd think about tuning it up and using it. But if I had three to choose from, I'd sort them out according to the shape their in and then which is my favorite and then rebuild the top candidate only. You can sell these older outboards on ebay and get a pretty good price. But remember there's a lot of "antique" stuff listed there for way too much $$$, just some sellers are antique crazy. A good website for older outboards is the antique outboard motor club (AOMC). Do a web search and you'll find them. Hope this helps.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

The downside of using that 10hp on your 15' boat is the weight. It's not a light motor. You might want to look for something smaller and lighter. If you want to stay with a motor from that period, the 3 or 5 1/2 might be a good choice.

 

[JB]

Re: 1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

Hey, Mike.<br /><br />Your QD-14 weighs 60lb, IS a 1953, 10 hp and is a great engine.<br /><br />The 5.5s of the period are also fine engines, but at 47 to 51lb don't offer a significant weight advantage with little more than half the hp. The 3s weigh about half, 32lb, but offer less than 1/3 the hp.<br /><br />For "Ten Horse" lakes you have about the ideal engine.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

Nah -- JB knows his stuff, but 60 lbs is a chunk on a 15' MFG with a 35 on it (not a deep-V if I'm thinking of the right hull -- and 15" transom). Half the weight would be better. How will you mount it? trolling motor mount? <br /><br />The other alternative, of course, is to get yourself a 14' aluminum just for use on those 10hp and under lakes. Tell your wife it was the only solution.

 

[JB]

Re: 1954? Johnson Seahorse 10hp

Hmmm. I was assuming that when going to a "Ten Horse" lake the 35 would come off. If not, OldBoat has a point.<br /><br />Nevertheless, you have the ten. It is a fine engine. You don't have a 5 or a 5.5 or a three.<br /><br />You might be able to swap a couple of those 18s for a nice 3. Those li'l engines are about a smooth as a Singer and even quieter. For a troller that would be good, but you still have a whole lake to cover.<br /><br />I would keep the 10 and remove the 35 when fishing a 10 lake.<br /><br />Good luck.