14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

[TRIZ]

Greetings,
I am new to this site and have found much of the info extemely usefull. I recently inherited my grandfathers 1961 14' Alumacraft fishing boat. I also got his 1962 and 1963 Mercury motors. Merc 110(9.8hp) and 250(25 hp). In the beginning I wanted to restore the motors and keep it old school. I thought I would be able to do this and keep costs down. LOL. I have learned that many of the parts for repair are no longer made or hard to find. Special tools are often required as well. The boat and motors have been sitting for years. I took the motors in to see what can be done and I found out the info above and that it may be difficult to get them up and running. My main concern is reliability. The last thing I want is to be having motor problems with my wife and 3 year old son. The further down the rabbit hole I go, the more that I realize my old motors may not be the best way to go. Please keep in mind that I have a limited budget and am headed to Lake Shasta and Diamond lake in two weeks.

1. Your thoughts?
2. What motors should I get? (brand,HP,etc)
3. Are the new motors able to troll or do I need two?
4. Where should I go?(Bass Pro Shop, Local marine shop, online)
5. What should I do with the old motors?

Your time and assistance is appreciated.

Thanks,

TRIZ

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

My fav motor for a boat that size is a 50's-60's OMC twin cylinder...9.9 to 18 hp. Stout, reliable, easy to maintain/keep/carry/store and use. Your mileage may vary.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

I think you were told correctly about the mercs. They do take more specialized tools and quite a bit more knowledge than an OMC to work on and get running right. The ignition parts are lots more expensive and the parts in general are tougher to find. Like Tim, I also prefer 50's and 60's OMC motors but if you haven't worked on one before and wanted to be on the water quick, I'd get a 90's model johnson or evinrude 15hp. There's various placed to find one used, but a trusted outboard mechanic would be where I would try if you are new to boating.
You might try placing a free classified ad on aomci.org. There are quite a few people there that would love to have your old mercs---but don't plan on getting much for them. The '60s mercs also had mild steel driveshafts which were notorious for being rusty and not holding a seal, which lets water into the lower unit and ruins the gears.
You also might consider a 15hp yamaha 2-stroke.
You could also try talking TMcCalavy into selling you his '58 johnson 18hp....
A '57 or '58 18hp johnson or evinrude WOULD look really nifty on your alumacraft----I'm jealous, I don't have an old boat for my old motors, and would love to have the boat you have! Last of all, if you want a period motor for it in running condition, place a free ad on aomci.org and tell them your situation, and that you want a '50s 18hp OMC in perfect running condition. I'll bet someone will be glad to sell you a good motor of the same vintage of your boat for a reasonable price. Just make sure they're an aomci member, as these guys (from my experience) hold themselves to a higher standard than the usual person with a used outboard for sale.
One of these below is what I think would look nice on your boat. The mercurys would look great, too, but be harder to get in reliable shape.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

I always take a back up plan incase of motor failure that can't be fixed on the water. Either a trolling motor, kicker or oars. I have never really had a reliabilty issue on any of my old motors, but when parts get scarce sometimes it's best to let them go, hard as it is. The bright side is that parts are scarce and you have alot of parts on those 2 motors. I'd bet parted out they could easily bring you enough to buy a newer model or one that the parts are available for. The 18hp's are really nice on 14' tinnys. And IMO I wouldn't shy away from any Merc that is late 60's or newer.

Do you live in CA? If so you might consider biting the bullet and getting a 4-stroke now. I've heard it isn't long in coming that 2-strokes won't be allowed.

 

[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

Thanks for the great info! JB, that Blue evinrude is sweet for sure. Love the blue. I am looking into the sources you suggested. I have a few more questions though.
I noticed all of you mentioned no more than 18 HP. My grandfather had a 25 and a 10 on there. I believe that max for the boat is 40 hp. I plan on fishing a lot in the boat, however, as mentioned before I have a 3 year old... so I imagine I will be doing a lot of exploring and rippin around. So why 18hp?

Lion Hunter brought up my next issue. I live in Southern Calif. and the two closest lakes to me are Skinner and Diamond Valley. Both water sources and only allow 4 strokes. We have property in Big Pine, Ca, so I will be hitting South Lake, Sabrina, Crowley, Twin, Convict etc. So it looks like I may have to go with a 4?

I can spend between 1-2k...2 stretching it(wife) lol....what would you recommend?

Should I suck it up and get a new 4 stroke? I don't think it's possible at that price range. UGH

Thanks again for all of the great info. It's really helping me to make an educated decision.

TRIZ

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

Usually 14' boats in my area are max. rated at 25hp. You have a strong built boat since it's rated for 40 and probably a good bit heavier in build. In that case, I think I'd rather have at least a 25hp and possibly even a 40. On the lighter built boat rated for 20 or 35hp, the 18hp's are just really nice motors and if you ever ran one you'd see why we like 'em. They are lightweight, crank easy, idle and accelerate smoothly. I would definitely buy the 4-stroke in your case, with lakes nearby which only allow them. I don't know a lot about the 4-stroke outboards and wouldn't have a clue which to recommend. If I were you and I had the money, I would go with the new 25hp 2-stroke by Bombardier. I'd think it would be legal on your lakes but am not sure. Definitely something to find out, first. Bad thing is, they're lots more than 2000 bucks.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

Thanks JB. I just got off of the phone with the bank and got my first credit card in 10 years. I have put a lot of effort into this boat and my gear, the last thing I want to do is leave it behind. I took it out for a row on Skinner over the weekend and after watching boats rip by me all day, I decided that was no longer an option. hah. So now my requirements have changed a bit. I know I am going with a 4 stroke and most likely new. I am now in th 3k range. Looking at 20-25HP. Honda is around $32-3500. OUCH. I will do some more shopping around. I would like to keep it under $3k. What about going used? 40HP is going to skyrocket the price right? How should I go about looking for shops? Is there a database with acredited dealers that I can use or am I on my own for that one?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

I would read the CA regs because even though I said 4-strokes I beleive that there are some 2-strokes that are allowed such as the E-Tec. You may have to go used if you plane on keeping it under 3k. Is it remote steer or tiller on the boat? If remote steer you will need all the controls probably which will drive up the cost. But there isn't much use getting a motor that you have to travel a long distance to put in the water.

If it's a tiller model boat and you can live with pull start You could probably get a new for under 3K.

 

[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

Thanks Lion Hunter. It's a tiller and pull start is no big deal to me.(for now). I will look up the regs tonight. You wouldn't by any chance have a link for me? If not, no worries.

I think E-tec is Evinrude? A brand that has been highly recommended. I am looking into those as well. It looks like my biggest expense is going to be HP.

I don't have to be the fastest guy out there but I don't want to be just puttin around either. Is that what I am lookin at with a 25hp?

TRIZ

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

If you could post some pics of the boat to give us an idea what we are recommending that would be great. A 20-25 will move most 14' boats along at pretty good speed. I have never seen a 14' with a 40hp that was a tiller model (Not that was recommended anyway). Thats alot of weight in the rear of the boat. I have seen alot that were rated at about 20-25 with a tiller and up to 35-40 with remote since that moves alot of weight up front.

The E-tec is an Evinrude

Don't quote me on this but I think that all nissans and mercs below 40hp are made by tohatsu (it's either 25 or 40). Anyhow the tohatsu is 3-400 cheaper than Nissan and 4-500 cheaper than Merc from what I have sen in the past.
The thing that would play a big part for me in choosing is the availabilty of parts and service close by. There seem to be alot of shops that sell and service Evinrude. Even if it costs a little more for the motor consider the distance you need to travel for maintenace and parts.

I like to buy big ticket items like that local. I just like the feeling when I go in the shop that the owners know me.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

The evinrude e-tec 25hp is the 2-stroke I was suggesting, although I've never even seen one. From my experience, the 25hp isn't that much slower than a 40hp. I figure you'd be going about 27mph with a 25hp and by yourself, and about 32mph with a 40hp by yourself. The difference is the 40hp is going to go about the same speed with you and your wife and son, whereas the 25hp will probably drop to about 22 or 23 mph. I really think you would enjoy the 25hp, and unless your transom has been redone, I doubt it would even handle a 40hp motor. I'd want a stout transom for the 25hp, actually. Any chance of you posting a pic of your boat? I'd love to see it. You can also prop the 25hp to handle a load and still run at the ideal rpm. I have 2 props for my 25hp johnson. One for fishing season when I'm by myself, and one prop for duck season when I'm carrying a heavy load.
I haven't heard anything bad about a honda 4-stroke, actually a lot of good. I just hate not buying American---thing is, there's not anything American anymore. Even Evinrude is Canadian now. But I feel better about supporting my neighbors, at least. I hear Mercury's are Tohatsu's, but haven't heard anything about them. The Mercury/Tohatsu 25hp may be something you should check into, close to your price range. I don't like the thought of paying over 3K for an outboard, either. Back in 1999, I could buy a brand new 25hp electric start johnson for about 1700 bucks.
At least my '57 johnson electric start 18hp that I repaired and have in totally reliable condition I'm only into for about $500. Too bad that's not an option for you.:redface:
At least, if you buy a new motor and take care of it, it will probably last you for many years with faithful service. I've already gotten my money's worth many times over in fun out of my 14' aluminum boat/trailer and new 30hp johnson which I bought in 2000. It still runs like new, in spite of 2 hard whacks on logs at WOT which broke the transom bracket and had to be repaired twice.
One more thing----call around and find the VOLUME dealer in your area and see what their price is, or get on the internet---I hear they'll make you a good deal on a new TOhatsu and ship it to your doorstep. Doesn't iboats sell motors, too? Might be worth a try.... There's also a site that sells mercury "fish camp" motors that are used up in Canada in clean water and have not so many hours (hopefully) that are cheaper than new. I've only bought one new motor so I'm not much help.
Happy boating,
JBJ

Edit: I thought this might be interesting: http://www.boatmotors.com/outboard/mercury/mercury_outboard_motor_sale.html

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[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

You guys are great! I am heading over to the shop that has my mercs today. Going to get the diagnosis today. They also have some used motors for sale. I will upload pics of my boat and update on my motor findings.

Thanks again!

 

[wa2712nj]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

For the record, I just bought a 20HP Tohatsu 4stroke, electic start from OnlineOutboards.com. Was delivered in 4 days, and priced $1500 less than the local dealer (who obviously isn't really interested in making the sale!).

It is on a 14 foot Duroboat, which is a alumnium V hull skiff similar to a Lund. I think it weighs about 250 pounds w/o the motor.

We had a 10hp on it, and with that it would plane with just me in it. With me and my son, it was marginal. Any more weight than that, no way.

The 20 seems like the right motor for that size boat and weight of boat. Legally, I could have put a 25 on it, but the 25HP 4stroke in the Tohatsu/Nissan/Merc lineup (all the same thing except the $$) is a 3 banger, and weighs considerably more for 5 extra hp.

Only had it up to full throttle for very short periods as we are still breaking it in, but it looks like it will do 25mph with two in the boat, which is plenty good for me.

We're only about 8 hours into it, but so far I'm very happy with the Tohatsu 20.

YMMV,

-dm

 

[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

I just got back from the shop. They are making some local calls on a new/used 4 stroke for me. Hopefully they can come up with something. Getting my merc 250 fixed is not looking viable.

The site mentioned by DM is some of the lowest pricing for new 4 strokes. I can get a 2009 Tohatsu 20hp for about $2500. That's pushing my budget and timeline but so far it's a decent option.

I will take some pics of the boat tonight and try to upload them.

Thanks again!

 

[po1]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

If you need a four-stroke fast the site DM referred you to is the same place I picked up my 18hp Nissan. After I order the motor it only took three days for them to deliver it to my driveway next to my boat. If you go the new motor route try and hit a lake prior to your trip to do the 10 hour breakin. You'll enjoy your trip more with the family without working in the breakin schedule.

 

[wa2712nj]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

There's also a fellow who goes by the alias "Tohatsu Guru" who posts on this board who sells the small Tohatsu's online. I didn't find his site until after I ordered my motor, otherwise I would have tried to throw him the biz.

The other posters are correct, break-in lasts 10 hours and during that time you must baby the motor.

Note that you can't buy bigger than 20hp online due to manufacturers restrictions. Another reason for not going to the 25.

The 4strokes are heavier than a 2, but run clean(er) and use much less gas. So far I'm averaging about 1/2 gallon an hour (lots of trolling) but even at cruising speed I don't think it will burn much more than 1 gallon an hour.

-dm

 

[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

OK...so I tried to upload images but the jpegs are too big and I am not sure how to go the URL route. I tried saving the files in other formats but they seem to be too big or unable to upload. Maybe I have my camera settings too high?

 

[TRIZ]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

I just got back from the shop. Getting my Mercs up and running is not going to be possible for my trip. The mechanic has a 20 HP Johnson that he has owned for years. We put it on the tank and it sounded great. However, I am a rookie so what do I know. He wants $500 for it and I think I could get him down a bit. He has been super helpful with other projects on my boat. My gut tells me it's a good deal. He told me even if I decided to sell it and get a 4 stroke, I would still be able to get my money back out of it. Being in Calif. makes my decision difficult. Does anyone know if 2 strokes are allowed on Shasta? Where can I find the regulations on a lake by lake basis?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 14' Alumacraft-Motor-What/where

I don't think a used motor that you can't use anywhere you want to go is a very good deal. If it were in my state (Louisiana) where we have no problems using 2-strokes, a 20hp johnson in great running condition for $500 would be a fair deal. BUt in your state, I would think it would be virtually worthless, or worth far less than $500. If I were you I'd get a 4-stroke, and I don't even like 4-strokes and don't plan on ever buying one, even if they were as cheap as a 2-stroke.
Sounds like he's trying to unload his motor on you to me.
BTW, a wise person once told me "they all run good in a tank". I found that to be very sound advice. You don't know how well it really runs unless you put it on a boat.
JMO,
JBJ