1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

[fishingdan]

I am thinking that this may not be the best idea, but let me ask your opinion. I have a 1957 Johnson 7.5 that is in excellent shape and has very few hours. The engine has been in my family since it was new. <br /><br />What do you think about using this as a kicker on a 20' runabout for trolling? Of course, it would run with its own fuel supply and pressure tank. This engine is sitting in my shed and is rarely used. I am trying to find a use for it outside of buying/building another boat. <br /><br />Thanks<br />Dan

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

Sounds good to me. It's probably a short shaft so be sure it's far enough down to pump water.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

Give it a top to bottom physical and tune-up (replace hoses, check coils for cracking, replace condensers if fiber cap type, replace waterpump impeller if currently more than 2 years old, check lower unit oil, etc.) and let it rip! Keep in mind, though, that that motor requires a seperate tank of fuel. It uses the dual line pressure tank and runs on a 24:1 mixture. <br /><br />Just curious - what's the problem with buying or building another boat? Most people I know don't consider that a problem...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[JB]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

Sounds to me like an excellent kicker, Dan. Go for it.

 

[DJ]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

I used that same engine for years, as a kicker.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

Originally posted by Chinewalker:<br /> Give it a top to bottom physical and tune-up (replace hoses, check coils for cracking, replace condensers if fiber cap type, replace waterpump impeller if currently more than 2 years old, check lower unit oil, etc.) and let it rip! Keep in mind, though, that that motor requires a seperate tank of fuel. It uses the dual line pressure tank and runs on a 24:1 mixture. <br /><br />Just curious - what's the problem with buying or building another boat? Most people I know don't consider that a problem...<br /><br />- Scott

I will go over it thoroughly over the winter. Although I didn't say it directly, I would use the pressure tank and the appropriate fuel mixture. <br /><br />There nothing wrong with buying or building a boat. The problem is that I have two in the yard now and the wifey wouldn't be too excited about the idea of another.<br /><br />JB, DJ and Scott - Thanks<br /><br />Does anyone know off hand what one of these engines weigh?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

Don't give up hope! I'm only at 4 boats. I once had a 14 foot COVER, that found a home over a 1971 Sears fishing boat and trailer that followed me home one day, and a guy moving just about gave me an old 20hp Johnny that runs better than I do at about the same age, which found there way to a great spot in the side yard for the off season, and with some strategically placed leaves, also make a perfect spot for the puppy dog!<br />

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

My 57 Johnson 5.5 works great as my kicker. Runs like a sewing machine and always starts in the first few pulls regardless of temp.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

I also have a 1952 3hp Johnson that I had to enlarge the casket for........cause its going with me........

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 1957 Johnson 7.5 as a kicker???

Good to hear folks. <br /><br />Robby, that trailer belongs in a museum somewhere. I have never seen one with that frame configuration. I would think that it would be prone to twisting.