1959 Thompson Seacoaster w/ twin johnson 35 Seahorses

[Yella dog]

I acquired an antique 1959 Thompson 16' Seacoaster that needs to be restored. It has the original motors still mounted on the transom. There are 2 Johnson Seahorse 35 hp outboards. Would it be more cost effective to have the motors reworked or sell them and get a newer model?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1959 Thompson Seacoaster w/ twin johnson 35 Seahorses

It all depends on the condition of the old outboards. Check compression on them. If it's good, then getting them running won't cost you all that much. You can replace the entire ignition system on one engine for just over $100. Add a carb kit for $30, and an waterpump impeller for about the same, and a Johson 35 of that vintage will come back to life. Even if you need a lower unit for one or both of them, they're available used. I'm assuming they're 1958 or 1959 engines, matching the vintage of the boat.

Here's the deal: Once you get the boat restored...if you want to sell it, it will go for lots more with the matching vintage outboards. Besides, it'd be tons of fun running those big twins on the back.