1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

[gnarbrah]

I'm looking to upgrade the hp on my 12' skiff (6 just isn't cutting it) Questions are:

Are these motors as good as all newer Johnson / Evinrude motors?
Is the weight of this older motor a factor compared to a newer model?
Are the parts still readily available?

I'm waiting on pics but I've been told it runs great, hardly ever used, only fresh water and he wants $250.00

I look forward to your replies!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

To answer all your questions:
Yes
No
Yes
Before you buy, check compression, lower unit, spark and maybe take it for a test run. You will also need the two line pressure gas tank unless it has been converted to a modern one-line tank.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

Thanks for the info. As far as the lower unit goes, do I just need to check the shifting and to see if there's water in the oil?

Also, can I get the pressurized line and/or tank easily?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

Doesn't the seller have the tank? They are commonly found on e-bay, but a good clean one brings a pretty good price. They say they are easy to find in Wisconsin, but they are hard to find down here in the swamps. You might be interested to know that the fuel connector on the end of the hose is still available new....For $100.00!!

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

Don't pay $250 unless it comes with a tank. How are you supposed to test it if it doesn't have a tank. Don't take his word for it. You need to see it run. Used tanks usually go for $50-100. Lots of them up here too.

Great motors. I'd say they are amoung my favourite motors.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

I really, really like my '56 15hp that I bought used/not running. If possible, I would want to test it on the lake full throttle before buying it for 250. If it slips out of gear, that will cost you about 50 to 100 bucks to find a lower unit on ebay or elsewhere. compression check as well, but running it on the lake will tell you what you need to know. If it runs so great and all, he shouldn't mind taking you for a short ride.
EXCELLENT motors, but it is old, so some good checking would be in order before dropping 250 on it.
Hope you get a goodun',
JBJ

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

The weight is somewhat of an issue the 56 runs 75 to 90 lbs.
You could get a 74 15 at about 65 lbs and a 74 25 hp at about 85 lbs.
The newer 15 depending on the model can develope something like 7,000 rpm.What is your boat rated at?Your 6 can certainly plane your boat with
a carefull setup and a tiller extension.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

Thanks for all the good input! I never even knew about the pressurized tank thing. I'll definitely do some more homework before I buy. Is there a way to test the lower unit without an actual lake run?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

You can almost expect to reseal the lower unit on a motor that old. You can pull the rope a llittle and see if it turns the prop in all gears and check the l.u. oil for water. Without opening up the lower unit, one can't tell if the clutch dog/ gear ears are bad (slipping) without running it.
JBJ

 

[fiftiesoutboards]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

I've got the exact Evinrude, and have enjoyed it for several years on my old 14' Alumacraft. It pulls youngsters on waterskis, and planes very well with four adults aboard. It is a bit on the heavy side, but is a solid tank of a motor. I think $250 is very fair if it is complete and original and has the proper tank. Get a manual so you can do your own maintenance, and you'll be way ahead over buying a late model. Remember to use one QUART of oil to five gallons of fuel. Good luck!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

that's an awesome avatar, Fifties! Is that original paint or a resto?
liked it!
JBJ

 

[fiftiesoutboards]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

JBJ,
Thanks, it's the prize of my collection. Original down to the selling dealer's decal on the port side. I found it on eBay and drove to Penn. Dutch country to pick it up. Runs like a Singer sewing machine.
50's

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1956 Evinrude 15hp - should I buy?

50's,

Beautiful motor. I'm still looking for one of those for my collection.