1973? 25 hp Johnson

[Aliendu4]

Hey guys new to this site, Names Erik and I just picked up this mid 70's power boat hand made of wood with a 25 hp Johnson on the back. Engines been shaved, ported, polished, stroked and bored out.

Just got one question is it easy to convert this pull start over to an electric start engine?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1973? 25 hp Johnson

That's a neat boat! Just a few thoughts on your motor. I know you want it to go fast so I'm thinking that adding electric start would probably add about 20 or 30 lbs to your motor, plus another 20 or 30 lbs. for the starter battery which really will make a difference in speed when you're running it and could be why it doesn't have it already. But, yes you could add it but it would require a starter, starter bracket, possibly a geared flywheel, starter button, cables. You could probably find these items cheapest on a parts motor on ebay or an outboard junk yard. If you buy 'em new it would probably cost you about 300 bucks.
JBJ

 

[Aliendu4]

Re: 1973? 25 hp Johnson

Well its already got a battery, I just hate pulling the rope out, done it twice now and second time it chiped the recoil and stuck the engine... the other power boat the guy has, that ones got electric start but its got a 40hp ev on the back. thanks for your input

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1973? 25 hp Johnson

Definitely looks like a go-fast boat. You're in MN, so watch the Craig's List. Someone's bound to list a busted 25hp shortly with all the stuff you need. You should be able to get it cheap that way.

I don't know the year of yours, but there were several years in there where the electric start stuff was the same. It won't be too tough a job to install, but there is the weight issue, although I doubt it will slow your boat down all that much...really!