1968 Johson 60hp

[Swivelhart]

I am buying an older 15t runabout with a johnson 60hp on it. The boat runs strong with no issues except poor gas mileage according to the seller. Are these 60hp Johnsons reliable? I am assuming it is around the same year. Any help would be great before I purchase. One more question. I have the option of getting a different 15ft runabout with a Johnson 33hp on it that runs strong. I think the 33hp is around the same year. Any thoughts on which is the better deal?

 

[JB]

Re: 1968 Johson 60hp

It is still in regular use after 41 years. Seems to me like it is probably reliable.

 

[crxess]

Re: 1968 Johson 60hp

Poor gas mileage is a relative term.
Consider Hull design(deep-v, tri-hull,etc)
weight of boat( maybe heavy)
total load in boat(overloaded?)
type of use(pulling tubers all the time?)

There are a lot of reasons for poor milage and the motor is normally the victim not the culpret.

My 225 weekender with 305 i/o averages 3/4-1 mpg

 

[F_R]

Re: 1968 Johson 60hp

First thing you need to do is find out what it really is. There was no 1968 60hp. There was a 1968 55hp and a 1968 65hp. They are totally worlds apart.

The V-4 60hp was made in 1965-67 and a 3cylinder 60hp in 1970-71. Again worlds apart.

Assuming you have a V4 because of the gas use comment, yes they are thirsty. However, I'll bet the 33hp on the same boat will use just as much per mile even though it will certainly use less per hour.

The v4 motors were very tough and reliable. And thirsty.

 

[Swivelhart]

Re: 1968 Johson 60hp

Is the 3 cylinder reliable as well? I guess it is a no brainer that if it's still running it most likely is. V-4 parts hard to find and what about the 3 cylinder? I had a 67 OMC electric shift stringer that was a nightmare finding parts for. I don't want to do that again!

 

[F_R]

Re: 1968 Johson 60hp

Is the 3 cylinder reliable as well? I guess it is a no brainer that if it's still running it most likely is. V-4 parts hard to find and what about the 3 cylinder? I had a 67 OMC electric shift stringer that was a nightmare finding parts for. I don't want to do that again!

The 55 and 60hp 3 cylinder was state of the art in it's day. It would run on less gas than a 33 and outrun a V4-75hp while doing it. It had electronic ignition, hydro-electric shift, and alternator, none of which was on the V4-60. Looking back (good old hindsight) all that stuff was troublesome. If you want a reliable workhorse, the V4 would be my choice. If you can afford to feed it. Or move up into the 1980's.