25 hp Aquasonic or 35 hp Fastwin Evinrude

[TimCA]

Hello everyone. I’m looking for a 1950’s to 60’s Evinrude to power a 1955 14.2’ Lone Star Commander my grandfather had. I reconditioned the entire boat and now it’s time to power it up with respect. Presently, it’s powered up with a ’76 25 Evinrude. This week I’m going to check out two Evinrude motors for purchase. Big Twin 25 Aquasonic ( 1955 I believe) and 35 Fastwin 1957-58, both electric start. I’m interested in any comments, experience, and knowledge on both motors. I’ve read positive and negative comments on the Aquasonic as far as the serial numbers go on production changes. The 35 Fastwin I really like, but is that too much motor for the boat? The 1955 LS Commander is rated at 30 hp in the states and 25 hp in Canada. I would greatly appreciate any comments or other suggestions on power.

 

[racerone]

The 57 is the better motor.-----The 57 JAVELIN by Johnson is considered the motor of choice by some.----Very pleasing to the eye.

 

[F_R]

No such thing as a 35 Fastwin. Be careful

 

[F_R]

I guess you are aware of the problems with some 1955-56 25-30hp motors, according to production date.

 

[F_R]

r.e. power. There is very little difference in 25-30-35 horsepower motors of those years. Same size, weight, etc. Couple of MPH speed difference is all. Of course there is the legal aspect if you have an accident and get sued.

 

[jimmbo]

In 57 the 35 was the Big Twin, or in Deluxe mode, Lark
The Fastwin is an 18hp

For 1955, Evinrude added the "Aquasonic" label to the Big Twin 25 and the Fastwin15, to point out that these engines had the latest and greatest Silencing Engineering that OMC had

 

[TimCA]

Thanks everyone. This will be the first pre 70's motor I'll be working on, excited.

Thanks F R, I believe the seller listed the motor as a "Fastwin" on the 35. Also, I did read a bit about the production years on the Aquasononic changing some things which wasn't a good idea. Could you elaborate on that and what you may know. I'll be looking at that motor today. It looks very well used. Any thoughts on price range? They are asking 300, might offer 200 or less. Thanks.

 

[racerone]

In my opinion these 60 year old motors need a complete tear down / evaluation before launching the boat.-----Unless a seller / owner is known to you.------You must be able or willing to learn how to do all the work yourself.

 

[lindy46]

Wow - for $300 it ought to be a good running motor with controls and tank.

 

[F_R]

In mid-year 1955, some genius at OMC figured they could save a ton of money by putting a cheap seal on the lower end of the crankshaft. The result was a water ingestion disaster that cost rather than saved them a ton of money in warranty replacements. In mid-year 1956 they went back to the seal that was used before the genius arrived. The 35hp motors came out in 1957, so were not affected.

I would not pay that much, but I don't need one either. Besides, I'm cheap.

 

[F_R]

You can tell what seal was used on the 1955-56 motors by the complete model & serial numbers. However, warranty replacements may have the good seal design.

 

[TimCA]

Thanks everyone for the advise. I decided to pass on both motors. Still looking...