Vintage Outboard Question

[MWBoatFan]

FIRST - THIS MOTOR IS NOT FOR SALE ON THE FORUM

Hi All,

So I was cleaning out the basement (foundation issues - UGH ) and came across a 1951 Evinrude 3hp outboard (I think it's a 51 - can't remember) Anyhoo, I do still have all the original paperwork and manuals with it and it seems to be in excellent condition - paint and overall visual inspection. (I know it's been in the basement for at least 40 years) I have a guy asking me about it wanting me to sell it to him, any idea a fair asking price?

Thanks in advance!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

They are worth less than we would all like, I have a pair of 35HP Johnson's from 1957 and they are worth $3-500 each, in running order. Safe to bet if you have everything including a gas tank (some were pressurized back then) and it runs, a bit less than that. In the end, it's worth exactly what someone is willing to pay. I wouldn't sell it for less than $300, but ask him to make an offer, maybe he will go higher.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

What is the model number on the motor?

You may want to visit The Antique Outboard Motor Club Website - AOMCI.org and use their free classified ads

 

[robert graham]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

If it was mine I'd be wanting to make it run....you can get a lot more for it if it's running!...lots of folks may want that motor, myself included!....regarding price, it's hard to say, but I'd think $500 would be a good starting point!....send photos!....good luck!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

WOW, lots of optimistic people here tonight.....LOL.

I have three of them as a matter of fact. All are in the 1951 to 1954 era. Two are 'Rudes and the third is a Johnny. The Johnny runs real fine - I picked it up at a AOMCI swap meet for $60. One doesn't run and I got it off EBay about 5 years ago for $5 (it was a local pickup and nobody bid). The third runs, but needs a tune-up and I got it off a local Craigslist for $20.

A fine condition running and ready-to-go 3 might bring $200-300 if you find the right buyer. The truth is that our current depression has drastically reduced the value of these old classics. I have about $4500 in my old Lyman and after 3 First place trophys I was offered $10K. I just saw one almost like it go for $3700 on EBay.

PS - if you go on the AOMCI web site, please don't ask them to value it for you. That is frowned upon over there.

 

[MWBoatFan]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

Thanks for all the great replies! I appreciate the knowledge. I looked at it last night and I was mistaken on the year. It's a 1955 Evinrude Lightwin 3 Hp. Like I said it's in excellent condition but I am certain it would need to be pulled apart and re-done. It's been sitting FOREVER - sure it needs new seals, really anything rubber, new plug (s) wires all that jazz. But I do have all the original paperwork, the owners manual all that, it would make a cool mancave display ...

If I had a little aluminum boat I might keep it but just no use for it as of now, and I was offered 125 for it, so I will probably just let it go.

Thanks again all.

 

[_Kismet_]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

I have two of them, a 54 and a 56, both Evinrude Lightwins (Johnson 3hp was almost exactly the same) and would not sell them until the Sherrif came to the door asking for the mortgage money.

They are astounding little engines: durable, light (32lbs), self-contained, quiet, smooth (twin cylinders), all metal, easily portable in trunk, and...no one makes anything like them anymore. Newer engines are not made nearly as well, nor are they as bullet proof.

I've used them on a pond boat, as a mover and a kicker on bigger boats, and currently on a Y-stern Golden Hawk canoe--which married to the motor like it was a match made in heaven! They are a little heavy IMO for side mounts on canoes, but would move a square stern as if it were designed for it.

In their time, a whole lot of folks bought the lightwins and took them to resorts, where they would rent boats for their vacations.

Parts are easily available, and there are some guys who collect and cherish them.

In the shape you describe, it's like the fabled ware-housed "Army Jeeps," never used and in perfect condition for ...$25.

Take and post pictures, please.


and...congratulations.

 

[JB]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

Hey, MWboatfan.

That is the greatest outboard ever made. . .by anyone, anytime. Get it running and keep it. It will earn your love.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: Vintage Outboard Question

I'll second or third these comments. Keep the motor if you'll have any use for it. We got a 56 lightwin a few years ago for a six pack of beer. Replaced the ignition system (all parts conveniently available from NAPA) and she fired right up. Not a lot of power, but a great portable motor for moving a small dinghy around.