Penneys Foremost 3.5 HP Outboard Motor

[bten36634]

Hey All... Just got a motor handed down from my grandma and looking for a little more information on it. Surprisingly not a whole lot can be found online. First, is it worth tearing down, restoring, etc? Will this add to or hurt it's value? Also any idea on ballpark value? Finally, any idea on where I can find a manual for it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[brim_buster]

Re: Penneys Foremost 3.5 HP Outboard Motor

1965 is the year and I think they were made by West Bend for Pennys.

 

[F_R]

Re: Penneys Foremost 3.5 HP Outboard Motor

Correct, they were made by West Bend. West Bend was sold out to Chrysler. Then Chrysler was sold to U.S. Marine, maker of Bayliner boats and the motor was named "Force". Sold again to Mercury, then Mercury quit making them.

That little West Bend / Foremost you have actually was a fairly good little motor. Simple but a tad noisy, and ran well. It has to be mounted on a boat, on the lake for the cooling system to work. Prop thrust forces water up to the top of the exhaust column to keep it cool. There is no water pump. Of course the powerhead itself is air cooled.

Value?? Depends. Not much. A collector/restorer would rather get it like it is, before somebody messes with it. Somebody that wants to use it as a daily fishing motor would pay more, but you would do well to break even, especially if you value your time at all.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: Penneys Foremost 3.5 HP Outboard Motor

Looks very similar to my early 60's Sears 2.0 air cooled outboard from the limited viewing I get from the pictures. If so, it's a nice light motor that runs well. Have you tried to run it (clean carb, etc) before you consider the need to tear it down? It may surprise you. Don't look for trouble or extra work when it may not be necessary. If you search on the internet you'll find a pdf manual for a 1958 2.0 hp. Sears. It's the same as mine and would be similar to yours if indeed it's a cousin. As for the value: I paid 25 and it ran from the get-go. If you can't locate the pdf manual let me know I'll try to send you a copy or steer you to the site if I can find it again.