The Big Twin rocks...

[tmcalavy]

Some weeks ago, you guys helped me solve the clutch dog problem on my 57 Evinrude Big Twin. Now it runs out very well...made it to the lake today and she gets 25 mph on smooth water. Always a pleasure to post on this board. Thanks for your help.

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

too cool would love to see a pic of her running !! john

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

Yeah I'm gonna have to work on that...maybe next trip my cousin will be aboard and I can put him on a jetty with a digital camera. Underway at WOT she is very smooth, I can let go of the wheel and she stays right on track...the old-style cable-over-pulley steering is very solid. Had to raise both outboards out 1 notch to get the nose up to make 25 mph. Any further out doesn't seem to make a difference. Now I can figure out how I'm going to paint the top deck...maybe get that done by first frost in Oct. Gotta 30 hp Lark in the shop, so next step may be reviving it this winter and having two Big Twins on the transom by next spring.

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

I got to paint this winter also !! was out tonight , man the boats were out today !! what year are girls on the back of her !! get a pic out back of the transom also !! John

 

[TN-25]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

That's an interesting pair of 1958 OMC 35s you've got there. The same engines but wearing different cowls and colors. I've often imagined a pairing of Johnson / Evinrude equivalents, but yours is the first time I've actually seen it done. Nice way to showcase them. They look good!

Edit: Wait, is that a 35 & an 18 together? How does that work?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

Well I get to remove deck hardware before I can paint...debating on whether to pull/lift the windshield off or just work around it. Yep, these aren't matched twins...one's a 35 hp and the other a Johnson 18 hp. Had the 18 in the shop when I got the twin-bug, so I put it on there for grins. Works well...the smaller motor is my off-plane power as the Big Twin has a lot of torque/response. Easier to steer/maneuver with the 18. Funny thing is after you get the Big Twin wrapped out and kick in the 18 you can really feel it's extra boost. The old OMC's have a lot of grunt and go. I need to add some weight to the bow...experimenting with balance, but I really like how it goes and handles. Also need to replace the old ratty/discolored rub rail....that may be more work than painting.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

Hey Tim,
Are those counter-rotating props? I bet it's fun playing with those dual controls.....I want one!
I like his idea about the red '58 RD on there. that'd look SHARP. OR maybe even a '57 bigtwin. or actal twins. What does the lark look like? Similar?
Later,
JBJ

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

No counter rotating props on these babies...all clockwise torque. I'd love to find an RD 17 or 19 to put on there, but the Lark is just sitting in the shop doing nothing. I bought it as a parts motor for the Big Twin, but no telling what I'll do with it this winter. Need to put the flywheel/mag back on, have the starter rebuilt and see what I can do with it. It's butt ugly...old faded factory grey paint. If it runs well, I'll have to extend the leg and repaint it...maybe a custom two-tone. The Big Twin and a Lark would be 5 hp over the boat's hp rating, but you only live once, right? The Shipmaster dual controls are fun but it takes some adjustment coming from a single control where Forward/Reverse and the throttle live in the same lever.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

Congratulations, Tim. I can't wait for the day I have twins. Motors that is.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: The Big Twin rocks...

If my plans for the Lark work out, I'll have the 18 hp Johnson back in the shop...may be enough justification to find a small tinny/skiff like the one I had before the Texas Maid...or maybe a home-built skiff.