77 35hp Johnson or 71 40hp Evinrude.

[Brokeback Johnson]

I have a vintage 14 foot runabout that is rated for 45 hp. I have a choice of two different engines.....a 77 Johnson 35hp or a 71 Evinrude 40hp. Both motors are in good shape and run perfectly. Which one will be the stronger performer and best choice for my boat?

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 77 35hp Johnson or 71 40hp Evinrude.

The 40 is a larger displacement engine and in theory has more torque. The 35 being smaller has to rev higher to make its power. The 35 has a more modern gearcase with thru hub exhaust and high rake props. The 35 was first introduced in 76 and was sold alongside the 40 that year. In the 1977 brouchure Evinrude made mention of that, then claimed the 35 was faster than the 40, trolled slower, burnt less gas too. My dad owned both engines, but since they were used on different types of boats I couldn't do a direct comparision. We actually used the 35 on the same hull as the boat you have only ours was the cartop version The 35 is lighter than the 40. I myself would go with the 40.

 

[F_R]

Re: 77 35hp Johnson or 71 40hp Evinrude.

The 1977 35hp had very serious overheating problems due to the water intake design. Too bad, because otherwise they would be excellent motors. They may be ok in pristine waters, but some of them couldn't survive a week in our Florida hayfields. Newer models were fine, after they moved the intakes to the sides of the gearcases. My advice is don't even consider the '77.

Now about that '71...is it Selectric shift?

EDIT: Never mind, there was no Selectric 40 in '71. Good motors.

 

[Brokeback Johnson]

Re: 77 35hp Johnson or 71 40hp Evinrude.

Thank you for the replies. Suspected that the 71 is probably the better motor...the only problem is that the boat has teleflex steering and would have to be set up correctly for the older model. Are any mods possible to improve the water intake on the 35?

 

[F_R]

Re: 77 35hp Johnson or 71 40hp Evinrude.

Not practical. Extreme changes were made when they went to the side inlets.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 77 35hp Johnson or 71 40hp Evinrude.

I was running a 1978 35 Evinrude on a Lund which is now the proud possesion of my little brother. Never had the overheat problem though I have heard about it. The lower unit water pick up was changed in 1980 because of the overheat issue. I see many more of these engines that have clutchdog problems than overheated problems.

I'd have no qualms about running that engine.