Thoughts on outboard motor for project

[59lido]

Hi Guys,

I'm about done with my project and wanted some advice on possible motor. The boat is a 13'6" with about a 50" beam. Its got what I've been told is a flying transom so kinda of limited in width at transom. The guy I bought it from said it had a 35 johnson on it when he got it. Its a 1957 year model plywood hull boat with a mohogany plywood deck. I would like to find something in that year range. I've attached some pics and would like to know what you guys think.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Hi Guys,

I'm about done with my project and wanted some advice on possible motor. The boat is a 13'6" with about a 50" beam. Its got what I've been told is a flying transom so kinda of limited in width at transom. The guy I bought it from said it had a 35 johnson on it when he got it. Its a 1957 year model plywood hull boat with a mohogany plywood deck. I would like to find something in that year range. I've attached some pics and would like to know what you guys think.

A 1957 Johnson 35 hp would look great on there, as would the 1958 RDS-20 Super Seahorse, with it's cream and gold cowling. Best of all, those engines have oodles of torque and power and would shove your pretty boat along well.

Matching the boat with a period motor will really add to the pleasure of it, and the Johnsons are really nice looking, run well, and are easily maintained. That'd be my call, and you should be able to find a very nice one, ready for the water for around $500.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Oh, my gosh! That is a beautiful boat. Your passion for restoring this classic is very evident in your finished product. Way to go, baby!

I agree that a period motor is the right choice. If you stick with the Johnson brand, there should be no problems getting the parts you will need for ongoing maintenance (tune up, carb rebuild, etc). There are a number of websites out there dedicated to supporting these older machines. Just do some searches.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Great looking boat! Reminds me of the Aristocraft brand built in Atlanta, GA. I believe it deserves a four cylinder Mercury of the appropriate vintage. A Mark55 should provide a lot of fun. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

i have found that vintage merc were so new the support is not there, and the "K" was so advanced he had left and right hand threads on some things. go with a johnson or evinrude, they are the same engine with different dress. true a classic Johnson Javelin would be cherry. the color would go better than the blue rude.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

That is one beautiful boat, great restore job! Just beautiful.

 

[59lido]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Thanks for everyone's comments I've worked on this boat for about a year. I've been looking for a motor since i bought it and actually boat another boat for the motor,but ended up repairing that boat as well. It has a 1959 evinrude lark on it. Some of you posted on a couple of the threads I posted about water problems and starter issues with that motor. Thanks for that as well. I have found a guy that has some old Mercury motors. He has a MK 30,25,and a 28. I really like the Johnson and evinrudes though.Just can't find any. Here are a couple of pics of what I started with. If anyone knows where I might find a motor let me know. Again thanks

 

[vandy21]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

great looking boat! I would try to restore or find a well conditioned motor of the appropriate age too, but another option is buying a new motor and removing all of the decals and graphics. Its up to you, i probably wouldn't, but, its just probably a more reliable way.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Great looking boat. Look harder for a Johnson or Evinrude. Much easier to work on than the old mercs.

People may be able to help you locate an engine. Where do you live?

Check ebay, craigslist, and online retailers.

These have a good reputation and occassionally have engines like you are interested in. Call them and let them know what you are looking for.

Edited: Competitive websites are not allowed.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

I like Craigs list. No fees, no bidding. Just go see and buy. Check it out every two to three days. Ebay is a far, far, far second in my opinion.

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Did I mention that ebay is not my first choice?

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

WOW!! Nice boat. I would love to have one of those. A 57 Johnny would really accent that.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Definitely a Johnson/Evinrude if you plan to do the care/maintenance yourself. A restored Johnson Javelin would be aces on that rig. Check out "wingfoot outboards" on the auction site...ie. schmebay. He's a bud of mine.

 

[59lido]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

I have been able to locate a couple of johnson /evinrudes with tiller handles in the 18 - 20 hp range but I need a remote steer. How hard is it to convert these motors over. I agree the johnson javilin would be a great motor for that boat. There are several big lakes around the area ( midlands of South Carolina) and you would think motors like this would not be hard to find.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

Beautiful boat. Absolutely stunning.

The 18-20 hp OMC's should already have the fittings in place for controls. however, I'd get something bigger than those if your boat can handle it. I'd power with a 1956-58 Johnson 30-35hp, a Johnson Javelin or a 1956-57 Evinrude Lark. I see motors like those come up for sale all the time where I live in Canada.

 

[59lido]

Re: Thoughts on outboard motor for project

I've found a 1956 johnson 30 hp motor that has been restored. Anybody know of any issues with that motor?