1959 Mark 58AE 45hp question

[Sean Haines]

I purchased a 1958 Fleetform boat about a month ago as a project. This boat came with a 1959 West Bend 40 HP Golden Shark. The seller told me it ran about a year ago but the starter went out. I took it apart and brought it to a friend to have rebuilt.

As I am putting together a check list of the build on this boat I am leaning towards putting a 1959 Mark 58AE 45hp on it. I love how they look and from what I understand they are much easier to find replacement parts if needed then the West bend that is on her.

I found one rebuilt locally for $600.00 from a gentlemen who has ton of old boats and outboard that he restores. He has gone though the motor and has it running great. It needs to be sanded down and repainted but he has all the decals. He has offered for another 100.00 to sell and set up the controls on the boat.

Does anyone have experience with a 1959 Mark 58AE 45hp? Is it a good motor? Any items to look for that they were known for having trouble with? How hard is setting up the controls?

Any input on the Golden Shark? I am searched online for it and can not find another one of them. I figure that is either a really good thing or a really bad thing!

I am not a mechanic so any input would be much appreciated.

What is the value of a 1959 Mark 58AE 45hp? Are they worth 600.00 running strong?

Is the West bend worth anything? Are they collectable?

I did put pictures of the existing motor and boat.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1959 Mark 58AE 45hp question

The Mark 58A is one of the best motor designs ever to come from Mercury. They made that 44-cubic inch configuration, with mild updates, for over 30 years. Although parts aren't as easy to find as for a Johnrude, the consumables are generally available, although some are getting very pricey (magneto plastic bits, etc.) Parts are definitely easier to find for the Merc than they are for the WB... For $600, I'd want the motor mechanically perfect. Save the extra $100 and rig it yourself...

The West Bend might have some mild collector value, but there's not a huge market for them. Primarily limited to vintage boat folks seeking a vintage motor and desiring something a little different than a common Johnrude... Easy to work on and you can usually get them going fairly easily. Some parts are common to later Chrysler motors, so they're not impossible to find...

 

[Sean Haines]

Re: 1959 Mark 58AE 45hp question

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!