Bear Cat 55

[oldcatamount]

Hello to All, I recently got a Bear Cat 55 to rebuild for a Buddy of mine. It came to me in 4 boxes full of parts (plus a Service Manual!) Very nice old motor. Well machined and made in the USA. Parts are a bit on the pricey side and I was wondering if anyone knew of any parts suppliers that may not be on the web?

 

[matt167]

Re: Bear Cat 55

What's out there is what's on the web.. Economy 4 stroke marine and the one other are the major suppliers

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Bear Cat 55

I really don't think I'll need much for mechanical parts as much as I need new gaskets. Probably make most of them right here in my shop. I found two suppliers for Bearcat parts both on the west coast. Until now, I had never even seen a Bearcat outboard. I'm impressed with it. One of the first four stroke motors made. It's a Crowley motor that, as I understand it, is a car motor that was re-worked for outboard use.

 

[JB]

Re: Bear Cat 55

I really don't think I'll need much for mechanical parts as much as I need new gaskets. Probably make most of them right here in my shop. I found two suppliers for Bearcat parts both on the west coast. Until now, I had never even seen a Bearcat outboard. I'm impressed with it. One of the first four stroke motors made. It's a Crowley motor that, as I understand it, is a car motor that was re-worked for outboard use.

It was developed from a Crosley 750cc auto engine, fine, high revving SOHC 4 cyl. 4 stroke. I built a sports racer powered by a Crosley.
Google Homelite outboards.

 

[F_R]

Re: Bear Cat 55

Crosley Automobile Club Inc.- Home for all Crosley Car Owners

 

[matt167]

Re: Bear Cat 55

Yep. it's a Crosley engine but a larger bore or stroke ( can't remember ). Boston Whaler ( Fisher-Pierce manufacturing company ) bought Homelite outboards to make the Bear Cat 55

It was not developed from the sheet metal engine ( Copper Brazed/ The Mighty Tin ) that you may read about, but the cast block that Crosley later used

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Bear Cat 55

That's my customers goal is to re-build this Bear Cat and re-build his 17" Whaler to put it on. There isn't much "tin" in this motor, it's heavier than heck and all cast iron. Very well machined and it's the oldest 4 stroke I've worked on. No electronics! I love it!

 

[Super Sportster]

Re: Bear Cat 55

Crosley 44CI, used in the Fageol 44 VIP in the 50's, stroke increased by Croften to 53CI. Homelite increased the bore and the engine in it's final form was 59CI. A heavy outboard at 227lbs for the SS and 239lbs for a LS, When in proper tune a very smooth and efficient running engine that will idle all day, never fouls a plug and sips gasoline Sent you a PM.