Looking for Old Merc

[evinrude20]

Hi guys, as I'll be restoring my grandfathers boat come next spring, I'm wanting to ditch the motor I have now and put one that fits the era a bit more. The boat was built in 1957, So I'm trying to find an old Merc from the 60's. Around 100hp. I'd appreciate any direction as to where I might fine some restored and good running engines. Thanks a bunch!

E20

 

[JimS123]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Post a wanted ad:

http://www.aomci.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=Webvertize

I would advise against EBay. Their prices are way too high.

Just a suggestion....Look for a Johnson or Evinrude of the same era. They are usually in better condition, require less fiddling and more parts are available. That is if you actually want to run the boat. Don't get me wrong....We collectors love the Mercs. They command higher prices and look beautiful on the wall. However, we run the OMCs.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Also, there aren't many 1957 boats capable of handling a 100hp outboard. Largest motor made in 1957 was a 60hp....

 

[imported_Skippy]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Comment: purged for not agreeing with the elders

 

[JimS123]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

If you poll all the marinas in your area, you'll probably find that very few of them will be willing to work on the vintage models. If you do an internet search you'll find a few old timers whose business model is just that. I happen to be blessed in that one of the largest suppliers of vintage parts is only 2 miles from my house, and he and his 2 mechanics keep my oldies in good repair.

Regardless, the oldies are pretty easy to work on yourself, given a few simple tools and a little bit of mechanical ability. Mercs do require some special tools, thus making it more difficult for the home mechanic.

You indicated a desire to find a period motor. That's the basis of my reply. If your aim is just to go boating, I would certainly recommend a late model motor. If you ever intend to show the boat, having a new motor will seriously affect your point score.

When I bought my old boat I had an option of a a Merc or a Rude, both the same year and roughly the same condition. I was set to buy the Merc, but my mechanic persuaded me to go with the Rude. With minimal "reconditioning" in 2005, the motor has run without a hiccup ever since.

Two first places and a "Best in Show". She's named after Great Grandma. Be sure to send us pics of your Grampa's boat.

 

[imported_Skippy]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Comment: purged for not agreeing with the elders

 

[evinrude20]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Thanks so much for all the replies everyone, the links are exactly what I was looking for. As far as being a merc, doesn't necessarily need to be a Merc, but I grew up with black max and well I kinda have a love for mercs.....As far as showing the boat, this is not likely. Not that it isn't entirely possible, I turned alot of heads with it driving it from my cabin to my brother in laws garage on the trailer, so it has potential. My grandpa originally had an Evinrude 35 hp on it, then upgraded to a 50 horse Evinrude (the first 50 on the lake at the time (Rainy Lake)) and eventually when I was young, about 12-15 years ago, the motor was sold and the boat never got much use. After my dad did some work on it, he bought a new engine for it, an 84 suzuki dt115, and had a custom transom plate built for it. There was so much torque, they had to offset the mounting of it by about 2.5 inches to the right on centre. My main goal, is to have a unique, vintage look to it, which is why I want to get my hands on an older outboard. I will have to do some research as to who (if anyone) in the area works on the oldies. Again, thanks for all the info, and once I get the project going, I will be sharing some photos.

E20

 

[JimS123]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

JimS123:
If you poll the marinas in my area they will try and sell you a new boat and a new motor too!!
Getting a boat/motor dealer to reasonably work on ANY antique outboard (or inboard) is almost impossible in my neck-of-the-woods.
Flat-rating the hours is beyond so many of their efforts , and it has not been a good year for them to keep senior skilled mechanics in these tough "boating" economic times. They just don't seem to want to enthusiastically work on any "old" motor.
Classic Boat clubs, and the clubs with old Antique Outboard guys seem to be the nearest source of mechanical reference for me. I am stuck doing most all my own motor work, with help from some friends of course. I don't have a mechanic.
I do have Mercs, Scott-Atwater's, my dads favorite motor was a 56' Gale Buccaneer, heck even have an old Johnson HD series, an Elto, and an Elgin (yeah, most are hanging on the walls of my barroom).

Now you have a very fine boat and motor, worthy of all the praise and affection (and awards!) given to it. You have a beautiful boat and motor. I truly envy that woodwork!

BUT, the basis of my reply is the OP's original question: "Looking for old Mercs".
My old 1959 boat carries the original Merc. My boat has never been to a show, and although it's 99.99% original, ....well it shows some age. And it has worn its Mercury on its back for the last 1/2 Century ... well since it was new.
And yep, they are definitely not for the "everyday home mechanic"! They do often need a skilled hand , and a bit of a foul-mouth too.
My boat >>> http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii62/nomoh2o/little piccies/1959.jpg
I stick to my contention, if OP wants a Kiekhaefer Mercury, he should pursue what he wants. If he isn't too particular, heck yes, those Johnson-Evinrudes have their virtues... (I say that with all due respect!).

Very unique classic. Looks like it was well maintained. I love the dual spotlights. What make is the boat?

 

[imported_Skippy]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Comment: purged for not agreeing with the elders

 

[JimS123]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

Boy Skippy, you said a mouthful. There have been many threads here about the virtues of indoor vs. outdoor storage. The condition of your boat supports my claims.

In the case of my boat, it had been stored in a barn its entire life and I suspect it had not been used for at least 6 years when I got it because the registration had expired. When found it had the original TeeNee trailer and Merc KG9. I bought it from the guy who found it and he had already sold the trailer and motor. All the wood parts are serial numbered to the boat so I know its 100% original. No rot anywhere! When I stripped the paint and varnish I only found one layer on top of the factory paint.

A friend of mine bought a 1957 PennYan Runabout with a Johnson Javelin on it. As the story goes, the original owner bought it new in 1957 and took it out once before he had a heart attack and died. It had been stored in the garage covered for 50 years when his widow decided to finally get rid of it. Naturally the gas tank needed to be cleaned out, but the motor required very little to wake her up. They built them better back then. You would be amazed at how 50 year old upholstery still looks if it never saw the light of day!

Another acquaintance came across an old marina that had closed and found a 60 year old Lyman utility in a crate stuck under a pile of stuff in the back corner of the warehouse. It had also been covered. The white topside paint had yellowed a bit, but that boat still looked like it had been built yesterday.

They're out there. I just hope that the people that find them take care of them. They ain't makin em any more.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Looking for Old Merc

I believe I saw a merc of your want on the aomci.org webvertize section. If there's not one there, put up your own want ad. You will likely be pleasantly suprised with the results.

Jim, your boat is beautiful, but after the "collect the mercs, run the rudes" comment, you may be in big trouble!!!
Among the mercs requiring special tools and such, I don't like the mild steel driveshafts on the pre-'76 models. I never can get them sealed right and don't even try any more. I love my big twins, too!!

Later,
JBJ