Good Motor Inquiry

[Ikeasaurus Rex]

I have just purchased a 1970 Johnson Seahorse 20 Horse, Model 20R-70C, serial number J3252425. I got it for $350. It's gonna be pushin a 14' semi V Bottom. It hasn't been run much, in fact, when I pulled the cover off the engine looks amazingly clean. Does anyone have an opinion on this model of outboard? Is it a quality motor? Thanks

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Good Motor Inquiry

It should be a fine outboard, assuming that it's running well. It may have a little trouble planing that boat, though, depending on the boat's design and weight. If it's an aluminum boat, it will probably plane it OK. If it's a glass boat, it may not.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Good Motor Inquiry

It's based on the 22.0 cubic inch engine which first appeared in '57 as an 18hp. Later versions were the 20hp and 25hp, the extra power being gained from various tweaks with different heads, pistons, etc. You can get an idea of what was changed by comparing part numbers over at http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Accessories/Engine.Diagrams.htm Those were made up through the seventies and maybe later as commercial engines. <br />It's a good, solid engine that many people here still run regularly. The only weak point I really ever seem to see is the clutch dogs seem to wear badly. I doubt that will be a problem for you so long as you shift briskly rather than easing it into gear.<br />I doubt you'll ever find a much lighter 20hp outboard.