Best Reliable 35-60 hp motor for under $500

[Boatguy30]

Ok, so I bought this 1954 Crosby Fish-n-Ski at an auction in July. Had twin 1973 Johnson 20s on it with cable pulley steering. I got the motors going and the thing really drank gas and you couldn't steer very well as there was enough room on the transom to get them hard over.

Anyway, sold one motor and the other is currently on Ebay.

I would really like to find a 1954 motor to put on it, but not super fussed about that. Seems like those age motors used some weird magnetos and sometime engine drive ones, etc.

I'm really looking for advice on "THE BEST" motor for this boat. A single 20 has almost enough power for my needs, but I was thinking around a late 70s 35hp or maybe a 60s or so big twin?

Fuel useage is an issue for me, but just can't justify a newer 4 stroke on this boat. I guess the newer loop charged motors are a bit more efficient.

So anyway, best motor 30-60 hp range. Doesn't have to be OMC, but I grew up boating in Waukegan, IL so have a bit of a soft spot for them.

EDIT

 

[F_R]

Re: Best Reliable 35-60 hp motor for under $500

35hp Johnson or Evinrude. But avoid the early ones from the '70s. They had cooling problems. Look for plastic water intake screens on the sides of the gearcase. Those are excellent motors, good power to weight. Yes they are cross-flow, but I have one (1984) and I don't complain about the gas. I suppose it is according to how you use it.

If you want a looper, you have to move up to a 40 or 50hp. Still good motors, but larger and heavier and harder to tilt, etc.

 

[Boatguy30]

Re: Best Reliable 35-60 hp motor for under $500

Ended up with a long shaft Force 50. Shaft is a bit long, could use a jack plate. Not using it much in the winter, but maybe more next year.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Best Reliable 35-60 hp motor for under $500

Why long shaft? I would have stuck with a mid 50s RD. The 25hp would have been age appropriate, but I may have cheated a little and went with a 56 or 57 Javelin 30/35hp.