Outboard Weight

[chilly1]

I built an outboard stand and I am ready to start rebuilding my 1971 Chrysler 55HP, but I am unsure how much it weighs. Can anyone give me advice on the best way to get it from the boat to the stand? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[codertimt]

Re: Outboard Weight

I know this is a week old now and you've probably already gotten your motor on the stand, but I thought I'd reply anyway...

You can get weights for outboards from http://nadaguides.com and also for Chryslers at http://chryslercrew.com(look for brochures down towards the bottom of the page.

Anyway, some of the brochures from chryslercrew were being really slow, so I looked at a late 70's one since the 55 didn't really change much it's entire lifetime. It was listed at 183lbs.

So if you don't have access to an engine hoist(or come-along and sturdy tree branch ), you and a friend should be able to lift it over. Or if your a big enough guy you might could manhandle it yourself.

I know me and my Dad, moved a 75HP Chrysler from one boat to another by hand...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Outboard Weight

The early 55s with shear pin drive were only 156 pounds. They were the lightest 55 ever made. I have lifted them by myself, but it is much easier with a helper.

Late 70s and early 80s 55s with one piece lower units were built much more massively and weighed 180+ They were actually a much better engine with way better power, but had weak gears in the lower unit. Some also were equipped with the Magna Power II ignition which was useful for scrap wire and such.

A comparison of the two engines showed that the early 55 pushed a 14 foot flat bottom boat at 38 MPH. The late 55 pushed the same boat at 45 MPH with better hole shot and quicker acceleration to top speed.

 

[chilly1]

Re: Outboard Weight

Thanks, guys! I did get it mounted with a helper. You're right; it wasn't that bad. Sorry to hear that I have the weaker engine, but at least it's not a Magnapower II! Mine just has condensers and points. What do you think it will do for my 14' fiberglass v bottom?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Outboard Weight

I ran mine on a 15 foot deep vee Glastron. It's been a long time but I think it ran at 27 MPH. I water skied behind it for years and only replaced it when I had the need for more power as both my son and I got better and started to slalom.

On a lightly loaded 14 footer, I think 30 or perhaps even 32 is a reasonable estimate. While it may not be as fast as the later model 55s, it IS good basic power; you will be able to ski, wakeboard and tube with it, and it will keep you on the water for reasonable gas costs.

Now bear with me again, because again, it's been a long time. But I seem to remember using a 10 3/8 X 14 inch pitch Columbian 3 blade bronze prop on it for light loads and a stock aluminum 10 3/8 X 12 1/2 3 blade for skiing. Prop sizes may have changed a bit since then ('67-'69) but you still should be able to find something close. I also had a bronze Michigan 2 blade 10 1/2 X 15 or 16 that I used for racing. Had to cup that one to keep it from cavitating

 

[chilly1]

Re: Outboard Weight

That is great to hear. My family and I should have lots of fun in the ten years it takes me to learn to slalom!

I appreciate the prop info, especially since I may need a new one. This one has some nicks in it.