Three older engines--which is most desireable?

[mtboatin]

Found these on CS and have been kicking around a vintage short shaft for trolling on my 15' Deep C. I have a '74 50 Evenrude and even at idle were moving a little faster than I'd like. Any info or opinions would be great.

http://kalispell.craigslist.org/boo/

 

[F_R]

Re: Three older engines--which is most desireable?

Well if you are talking about the three at the top of the list, the only one that would possibly qualify for a daily user would be the Sea King. Way too much money for it though, in non running or questionable condition. The Johnson may be an interesting restoration project as an antique. The Mae West Water Witch never would run when brand new. Cute to look at, but forget using it.

Buy the 4hp Evinrude next paragraph down.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Three older engines--which is most desireable?

The Waterwitch would be a poor choice, since they were junk when new. The SeaKing is merely a rebadged Evinrude, which is a good motor, but at that age it'll cost more to recondition it to working condition than its worth. Also, the recoil starter will probably fail soon and its already missing a lot of parts.

If it were me I'd go with the Johnson. Back in the day their coils were bulletproof and made for life. I have several of that same vintage and all run perfectly with no more needed than a polishing of the points.

That said, any of the 3 are overpriced. Several in my collection were had for 20 bucks. I wouldn't pay more than $75 for it.

 

[JB]

Re: Three older engines--which is most desireable?

Look for something from the 60s. The OMC (Johnson, Evinrude or Gale and Gale made 3s, 5s or 6s) are very good, easily maintained and available.

 

[mtboatin]

Re: Three older engines--which is most desireable?

Thanks for all the input. I'll take the advise and probably let these slide. When it comes to the late 50 early 60's which would you recommend the Johnson, Evenrude, or Gale from a parts availability, dependability, and cool retro look? I may be looking for a small 3,5, or 6 hp as well as a 50-60 hp for my main. My '74 Evenrude seems to be doing well just doesn't have the right look for the boat which is a short transom '56 15' Deep C.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Three older engines--which is most desireable?

Thanks for all the input. I'll take the advise and probably let these slide. When it comes to the late 50 early 60's which would you recommend the Johnson, Evenrude, or Gale from a parts availability, dependability, and cool retro look? I may be looking for a small 3,5, or 6 hp as well as a 50-60 hp for my main. My '74 Evenrude seems to be doing well just doesn't have the right look for the boat which is a short transom '56 15' Deep C.

for a small motor that is easy to work on/get parts for, i'd go with a 1956/57/58 johnson 5.5....nice retro look...fins on the cowl etc. you could match it with a 1958 35hp, same finned retro cowl, easy to work on etc, thats if you dont mind dropping down in hp. the 58 50hp isnt as nice looking as the 35 and may be not as user friendly. jmo

 

[mtboatin]

Re: Three older engines--which is most desireable?

for a small motor that is easy to work on/get parts for, i'd go with a 1956/57/58 johnson 5.5....nice retro look...fins on the cowl etc. you could match it with a 1958 35hp, same finned retro cowl, easy to work on etc, thats if you dont mind dropping down in hp. the 58 50hp isnt as nice looking as the 35 and may be not as user friendly. jmo

Any idea how much performance and speed I'd loose going from a 1974 Evenrude 50 hp to a 1958 Johnson 35 hp? Would there be much of a weight difference? My Deep C was orig. rated for a max of 60 hp but I see the later model of the Deep C has a statement that recommends choosing the high transom option for motors rated over 35 hp. This wasn't even an option in '56. Maybe too much weight causing it to sit to low in the water or maybe transom strength was increase going to the higher transom?