Johnson, year etc....??

[jimyoung]

Been awhile since I have been here.....but I,m back. Anyone have an idea what year etc this motor is, does it have a good reputation or is it one of those years that didnt work out so well? Sorry I forgot to rotate one of the pics...Thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

If memory serves me right, that would be a 1958 35hp Johnson. There should be a plate on the port transom bracket with the model and serial number on it. What is that model number?

 

[jimyoung]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

I havent gone to see it yet.....found it on craigslist, guy wants to trade for a small boat trailer...I was thinking of offering him $100 for it.....he doesnt know if it runs or not.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

100 dollars is pretty much top end for a non running motor (or one you don't know runs) Realistically that motor is worth maybe 400 tops on a good day if it is in good running condition. Figure the coils are bad at 20 bucks a piece for two. Points you can usually clean up and reuse, but if you can't about 20 for a set of two. A lower unit reseal and impeller another about 50 in parts (water pump housing it it's bad) not sure of price in that. Carb rebuild kit About 20 dollars. So far we are up to 110 dollars plus your labor. Give 100 for the motor and you are up to 220 or more. Then replace the hoses as they are probably dry rotted. If the thermostat is stuck ect. All of this is assuming no problems with the lu gears, starter or starter recoil. Most people don't realize this when they try to sell an non running motor. Not to say I would not do it as I have and will again. Something about hearing a motor purr that you have fixed yourself makes it all worth it.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

Yes it can run expensive fixing up a none running motor. However when the job is done and it is running at least you know what you have got.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

When I get a little down on having my old motors, I just go price new ones. That usually fixes my attitude a bit......

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

And the fellow who is selling it says it's a what?

 

[jimyoung]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

He just says he doesnt know if it runs...like you say it probably is worth a 100...working on it is no problem. I have an old 14 foot valco it will work on. I was just wonering if that particular model year was worth something more.....kinda like the johnson cd 11.....they seem to be very popular on ebay....I have one and have been offered up to 400.00 for it (gave 25.00 for it with original tank).....it runs, but is not restored.....

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Johnson, year etc....??

That is definitely a 1958 Johnson RDS-20. First year for the outer housing on the midsection, the two line water pump, and fuel pump. Yours is the short-shaft model. The long shaft is RDSL-20.

Great little outboard, and way lighter than it looks...about 150 lb.

As for its value, if it's in perfect running condition and excellent cosmetic appearance, it can be worth more than you'd think. It's one of the prettiest of the Big Twins.

I sold mine on the spot at a lake to a guy who had a 1958 fin boat. Took it off my boat and put it in his truck. $900. That was $200 more than I paid for the boat, motor, and trailer, and the boat was pretty much junk.

Don't expect that much, but that model is in demand by the classic boat crowd, if it's in perfect condition.