Demand for Evinrude 18?

[ChrisAG]

My Dad has an almost showroom condition 18 from the late 1950's or early '60's (it's blue, with the metal clam-shell engine cover). The beast has all original decals, and virtually no scrapes or scratches, even on the lower unit. Hundreds of dollars were spent on overhauling it because it sat idle for thirty-five years, and now it runs like new.

I'm trying to convince him to sell it, because realistically, nobody in the family wants to use it due to the 25:1 oil ratio, less than stellar fuel economy (compared to my "newer" 1978 Johnson 15), and the hassle (it's heavier and more cumbersome than the Johnson and Mercury 8 that we also have).

What sort of market is there for this motor?

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

location location location lol

price deciding factor . ummm mainly for collectors.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

I don't know whether you know it or not, but that is a true classic.
Not many modern engines of this day will hold up as well as that old 18 will. I do think an old outboard nut like myself would be glad to get it off your hands. The old clamshell covers were on the 58 and older models, so if it is infact an 18, then it's either a 57 or 58. I have one of those now and after what it has been through, it's amazing that it runs as good as it does. I brought home an old clunker that was stuck and by the end of the day, it runs like a champ.

Don't mean to belittle the 15, but it won't even come close to the 18, quality wise.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

What you say is true, but as my daily driver I would prefer a 2011 mustang 3.7L 305hp V6 over a 1968 equivallent V8 - call me crazy Now if the car were to be put on display it would be a different story...

The 18 is impressive - very fast and powerful, and it sounds like a huge motor when at high idle. But as the primary "custodian" of numerous engines, I'll stick with the other "classic" - the comparatively easy to run 15 (which is 95% as fast, by top speed measurement, lightly loaded). I won't be towing skiers in the cartopper fishing boat, so the 18's additional torque will go unappreciated.

I don't think I'm overstating the 15 - there are more OMC 9.9/15's of 1974-92 vintage on our lake than any other motor. The things keep running. Maybe a very few parts break more than the older 18, but the smaller motors are "bulletproof" in their own right.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

the mint condition will bring about $50.00 more on the open market. the late 50's 18 is only worth $250-400 here, running, they don't care what they look like.

they are almost bullet proof engines when properly maintained. that motor will run another 60 years, maintained.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

I don't think I'm overstating the 15 - there are more OMC 9.9/15's of 1974-92 vintage on our lake than any other motor. The things keep running. Maybe a very few parts break more than the older 18, but the smaller motors are "bulletproof" in their own right.

Yep, you're totally right there, because most people on the water don't know anything about outboard motors. Therefore, they want something that they can just put fuel to it and go and don't do much for maintenance. There are a lot of guys out there though who do well to take care of their stuff, but I think a majority will sooner make sure their coolers have plenty of beer, before they check the oil in the gearfoot.

Myself, I think the new 9.9/15's have way too much plastic, whereas the old 18's are brass and metal.

And just between you and I, I'll pass on both the Mustangs and get a 2011 Camaro

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

Myself, I think the new 9.9/15's have way too much plastic, whereas the old 18's are brass and metal.

Yes there is some pastic on the 15, though nothing has broken. Cover is fiberglass I think. Mine's a '78, so it still has the metal gearshift and clamps, whereas the later models went to plastic for both.

No chance of the 18's metal cover every shattering from impact however.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

My Dad has an almost showroom condition 18 from the late 1950's or early '60's (it's blue, with the metal clam-shell engine cover). The beast has all original decals, and virtually no scrapes or scratches, even on the lower unit. Hundreds of dollars were spent on overhauling it because it sat idle for thirty-five years, and now it runs like new.

I'm trying to convince him to sell it, because realistically, nobody in the family wants to use it due to the 25:1 oil ratio, less than stellar fuel economy (compared to my "newer" 1978 Johnson 15), and the hassle (it's heavier and more cumbersome than the Johnson and Mercury 8 that we also have).

What sort of market is there for this motor?

You're kidding about the hundreds of dollars I hope......:redface:
I'm also astonished noone wants to run it. It's light for the horsepower, it has lots of power, it runs just as smooth as a new one, and it's just plain NICE!
I believe it weighs about the same as your johnson 15 (I totally agree the 15 is a nice motor, too) and not much more than the merc 8. I personally think the fuel economy isn't that bad, either. But, they are more noisy with the metal cowl and no sound dampening material. I guess I'm just in shock that you guys don't like them as much as I do!
That motor is worth FAR more in reliable fun than you'll ever get for it in dollars. I'd keep it.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

I'm glad JB is on my side with this one.

These oldies wouldn't have lasted 53 years if they weren't any good.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

I sold a 1958 Evinrude 18hp on Ebay last fall for $385. It was in great original condition with all original paint/decals and very few scratches. Purred like a kitten. It was electric start with the wiring harness, dash ignition/choke, but no gas tank. I thought it would go for more, but unfortunately there is not a lot of demand for the old motors. Folks would rather spend thousands for a new motor figuring it will be more reliable, I guess.

 

[ultra353]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

Well you all know the old saying " they sure don`t make em like they use too".

 

[restornator]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

I saw one last week go on ebay for $550+!!!! Shipping was $80...... It looked in real good condition with electric start. A 1958 18hp for that much, not restored? If i sold my 63 Rude with Electric and controls, i wouldn't take less than $650.... now. Motor prices on ebay are peaking right now. Being able to ship always increases value, unless the shipping is outrageous.

 

[vwluv32]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

That was the one I bought on ebay. It will be here tuesday.
Chris

 

[restornator]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

That was the one I bought on ebay. It will be here tuesday.
Chris

Small world. Enjoy it. They are tough powerhouses!

 

[14ftgrumman]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

: Terrible engines Dangerous, extremely un-reliable. Will cause you to loose your hair, clean your hard drive and cause locust swarms.

Please call me right away and I will come and dispose of this monster for you.



Very reilable, low maintaince and bullet proof. Shame I can't add it to my collection.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

Well unfortunately it will continue to be slightly underappreciated in my family. I obtained the Johnson 15 when I was young so have an affinity for "new" motors... the Art Deco design of the 18 just doesn't fly with me... even my Dad has gone modern with a new 4-stroke Suzuki on the pontoon boat.

And I just bought a FICHT DI... I can barely bring myself to use the 15, premix & oil slicks and all, never mind the even "dirtier" 18 (man that thing smokes... literally).

 

[vwluv32]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

Ok I'll come get so you don't have to beat yourself up anymore.
Chris

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

I bought a '58 as I recall. Had the black on the cowl rather than white and the prop was black. Paid $400 for it new in '59. Kept it in my room at home (gas tank in the garage). Didn't even have a scratch on the prop. Water skied behind it. Kept it for a couple of years was all. I was in the service and had to get back to base some 700 miles away on one occasion and had no money (had to come home and see my sweetie). Only thing I had was this engine and I sold it to a local marine dealer. The salesman bought it personally. Pulled out his wallet and tucked inside were 2 neatly folded $20 bills. He said that this was the best he could do for me. Couldn't believe I took that for my pride and joy, but gotta do what you gotta do and I had alternative. I regretted that for a long time.

Mark

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

Ahhhhhh yes. A new home for the old classic.

 

[phineas]

Re: Demand for Evinrude 18?

A couple months ago I had a chance to buy a nice '58 Evvie 18, the guy wanted 300$ I tried to trade a riding mower for it and cash but no he was firm. He still has it. It was worth it tho, I just didn't want to part with that much cash. I am a gardener by trade, not a lot of cash flow this time of year.