Howdy, pstldrvn.
Welcome to iboats. :welcome:
How did you take those measurements? Neither is standard.
Transoms are measured vertically from the top to a point even with the bottom. Sounds like yours is a 20".
What is the model number of the outboard? That will tell if it is a short (15") or long (20") shaft
Myself am thinking a 55hp minimum. But run that 40 and look for a bigger engine. Those 50 and 55hp Johnnyrudes were very common and can usually found at a reasonable price.... you won't like the 40HP on that boat. I'm thinking you want a 70HP.
A 50HP Johnson/Evinrude or (if it's rated for it) the 70HP Johnson/Evinrude are fantastic motors. I've had both. The 50 I had just wouldn't die ... heck, the dude I gave it to is probably still running it.Myself am thinking a 55hp minimum. But run that 40 and look for a bigger engine. Those 50 and 55hp Johnnyrudes were very common and can usually found at a reasonable price.
A 50HP Johnson/Evinrude or (if it's rated for it) the 70HP Johnson/Evinrude are fantastic motors. I've had both. The 50 I had just wouldn't die ... heck, the dude I gave it to is probably still running it.
The motor is a 1970 long shaft Evinrude 40.0 HP. By the SN you gave its not a 1964. So, it will fit the boat fine.
You said 1980 runabout but you didn't say how long, so everybody is jumping to conclusions about it's usefullness. I had one just like it years ago, and it was a strong runner. With the right prop it would do anything for me. Setup is the key - anybody can just throw more HP at it!
Now, after saying that, I would advise against buying it anyway. It's a selectric shift. Very problematic lower unit and hard to get parts. If you could find the "regular" model (not the Lark) with a mechanical shift, I would jump on it in a heartbeat.