1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

[QuackAddict]

Hi there-

I'm new here, and have already found some awesome information. Thanks in advance for your help.

I have an opportunity to buy a 1954 Sea King 5hp that runs (I haven't seen it in person yet, but the pictures look decent). I intend to use this for a small duck boat, and replace a heavy trolling motor/battery combination. The gentleman's bottom-line is $100 for the motor.

Any thoughts on if this is a "good deal"? It looks pretty good to me, but I am very new to outboard motors. There are some 3.5hp Johnson's on eBay that are going for a little of $100 - would those be better for my situation? I'm not looking to put a whole lot of money in to a motor, just to find something to get me across a lake a little quicker - and maybe upstream if needed, on a river.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

John

 

[DJ]

Re: 1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

The Johnsons will be a bit easier to get parts for.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

Ask the guy for a wet test run in the boat. That's the only way to find out if it's worth the asking price. Like DJ said, parts for the J-son may be easier to find. That said, the old Sea Kings are real tough and durable, and easy to service from top to bottom. If he won't let you do a water-test, take your wallet and run to the next deal.

 

[JB]

Re: 1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

I expect that the Sea King is a Gale-made motor and is therefore parts compatible with some of JohnnyRudes of the period, but not 100%. They were very good little engines.

I don't remember if the Sea King 5s of that period had FNR, but if they did I think I would go for that one.

The little 3-3.5-4 Johnnys were probably the best small outboards ever made. Had one and loved it. The direct drive needed a bit of practice for low speed maneuvering. They were very smooth and economical, as well as light enough to make a big difference in lugging around, mounting, etc. The integral tank models relieve you of the need for a big tank in the small boat and the post-1964 models use 50:1 mix for less smoke and odor.

Hard choice, but between very good little engines.

 

[QuackAddict]

Re: 1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

Thanks for all of the advice guys. This is a tough choice! The guy sensed my apprehension, and is now offering the Sea King to me for $85... But he lives 2 hours' drive away! Decisions, decisions. I do not know if it has FNR.

Here is the Johnson that I am also considering:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Coll...024QQitemZ370008872257QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

It's a '73 (contradictory to the description of it being a '60s). Drawback obviously is the external tank in that space in my boat is a premium... I would drive to get this one also (about 2 hours). Any ideas on what this one would sell for? eBay often has some inflated prices, I know, but it is a gauge at least.

 

[JB]

Re: 1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

Hmmmm. No tiller handle, no integral fuel tank, no FNR. Couldn't find the pic of the model number, but it looks like a '70s model. I would be more interested in a 3HP with tiller and integral tank, but the current bid is a good price. I don't think it will go for that price, though.

If you are going to have to supply a tiller handle and carry a tank anyway to use the 3.5 I think the Sea King gets more attractive. . .IF it has FNR, a good dual line fuel tank and is in good running order.

Now that I think about it, I don't know that the Sea King doesn't have an integral fuel tank.

Talk to the Sea King seller. Does it have FNR? Which type fuel tank does it have? Does the model number start with "GG" (This would establish that it is a Gale engine, rather than West Bend or worse)?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1954 Sea King Question - is it worth it

A 54 Gale Sea King would have a model/serial number of 45GG9014A or 9015A. No FNR, that came along in 55. So a true 54 Sea King 5 hp is direct drive with integral tank. The ID plate will be on the front of the transom clamp, between the transom screws/bolts. That's a sweet looking little Johnnyrude on the bay. It would fetch around $300 in my neighborhood. If the Sea King has been used hard, I'd try for the Johnnyrude...not sure if I believe the "owned by a little ole Pastor from Pasadena" line though. But you never know. Those weedless lower units are nice in shallow waters.

 

[QuackAddict]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks so much for all of the help and advice. I've decided to pass on the Sea King based on everyone's comments here, and a couple of other great options that I've found that will suit my needs.

If anyone is looking for a '54 5hp Sea King, and lives near Muskegon, MI, this kid really wants to sell this motor. He claims that it runs, and the pictures of it look decent. I have not verified his claims in person, but PM me, and I'll send you what I've got.

And tmcalavy was correct - it does have the 45GG9014A model number (he sent me a pic of the data plate).

Thanks again,
John