Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

[Bill Brasky]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

Thanks

 

[TN-25]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

I'd say with the integral tank it is pre-57. Looking at the lower unit without the wraparound covers and rubber dampers for the lower swivel bracket mounts (added 1955 on Johnson / Evinrude) your motor is either a 1954 or 1955. The lower unit your motor is the same one used on the Johnson 10 for 53/54 & the Evinrude 15 for 53/54, minus the ornaments used by either Johnson (ribs up top & a flowing seahorse above the cavitation plate) or Evinrude (ribbed accent above the cavitation plate).

Bill Brasky? Is that the same legendary Bill Brasky that on Saturday Night Live the drunks were toasting in the hotel lounge during a convention? To Billy Brasky!

 

[F_R]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

Very observant, Cam. However the things you mentioned were used right up through 1957 on the "STANDARD" 12hp Gale-built motors. Indeed, the "Deluxe" models did get the rubber mounts, remote tank, and lower cowls in 1956 as you mentioned.

The old style was called the Deluxe during the 12D11 years, but then was dubbed Standard during the 12Sxx years.

 

[TN-25]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

Very observant, Cam. However the things you mentioned were used right up through 1957 on the "STANDARD" 12hp Gale-built motors. Indeed, the "Deluxe" models did get the rubber mounts, remote tank, and lower cowls in 1956 as you mentioned.

The old style was called the Deluxe during the 12D11 years, but then was dubbed Standard during the 12Sxx years.

Frank, make me your protog?.


I have loved outboards for decades, but obviously there is much to learn. Now that I have a couple of Gale motors under the guise of Elto & Viking I am trying to flesh out the blind spots of knowledge. I have made strides but I certainly can not be considered a know-it-all. I can learn from those of you with working experience. I had my suspicions but no actual facts regarding OMC's off-brands back then when they were recent orphans (o.k., 10 year old orphans)

The attached picture is of me at a dock in Bewdley, Ontario, Canada back in 1974. A little wet around the ears I'd say. Beyond me is dad's new 1974 Starcraft 16' Sea Scout, powered by a 1971 Johnson 25 long shaft. We were just about to set out across Rice Lake up the Trent-Severn Waterway. On the opposite side was a motor of interest to me; a clean 1959 Evinrude Lark 35 horse. We went up the Trent River through the Peterborough Lift Locks. At that time OMC was producing many new Johnson & Evinrude outboards & OMC stern drives in Peterborough. Disco was yet to take hold & manufacturing was always a given in Ontario.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

Thanks again guys. And yes Cam that would be correct about the legendary Bill Brasky, like minds my friend.

 

[67fastback]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

Well the head housing looks close to that of the vikings but the little blue plate on the side is throwing me off..1955-58? google that and you will get richard in ca he has tons of info on them and manuals on line. OMC for sure just not sure of which line...

 

[satx78247]

Re: Cannot figure out what year my 12hp is

Bill Brasky,

I believe that you have a 1957 HIAWATHA, "badged for" for GAMBLE's stores by Gale Products. Inc. IF I'm correct, the model number is 12D13H.
(As far as I can tell, there are NO differences in the various "badged brand" by Gale, except "model number, paint & decals". ALL of the parts seem to be interchangeable & SIERRA PARTS, sold by NAPA auto parts stores has parts for all of the various Gale OBs.)

yours, satx