Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

[73dart360]

I have a 14 foot fiberglass starcraft Arrow it came with a 40 Evinrude has compression and spark but i cant get it in gear , so i found a 1957 freshwater only 35hp johnson for $300 in great shape and very good runner ,I am confused because people tell me to buy a newer motor like mid 80`s and some say the old motors were built very good all metal parts no plastic, I am sure parts are an issue for the 57 , I would like to sty as nostalgic as possible but dont want to be broken down in the water eiher, can someone give me the goods and bad .

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Hi again! Just my 2 cents, the older engines were built very well and built to last. But if something does break, parts are a problem. Also, the older the engine, generally the more use it has had thus it would seem logical to think that bigger things might be pretty much worn out. Obviously its a case by case basis. If you like the history, id say go for the engine and take it to a respected mechanic to look it over then enjoy it! I went new with one of my boats, the really classic one will be having a period engine hanging off the back... guess im in both camps!

 

[73dart360]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

1973 chieftain thanks for the input im sea sawing back and forth

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Hi 73dart360. Great find. No worries. Vintage rules, and you've pretty much got THE vintage dream motor of them all. These old Big Twin motors are superior to modern motors for a variety of reasons. 1.) They're super reliable 2.) Dead simple to work on for yourself without any special tools. 3.) Parts and know how are still readily available and cheap (you can get virtually all routine tune up parts right here at iboats and other sites like ebay and aomci.org). 4.) Cost of maintenance is WAY less than modern motors. $150 will rebuild your ignition, lower unit, and carb. That's about the same as one power pack for a modern motor. 5.) They are much lighter than there modern 4-stroke counterparts. 6.) Most importantly they are cool lookin' and total chick magnets If you don't want it, there are probably about a baziilion guys here in the forums who'll take it off your hands right now.



Here's a great link that can show you how to get that old girl running like a top in no time. Good luck. Holler if you get stuck.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/03/r/columns/max/07/index.htm

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Another point is that you can buy the older one for $300 and say 300-400 for the mechanic and you are still not out much. A 80's will likely run a grand or more, let alone if you take it to the mechanic as well (im all thumbs when dealing with mechanics so I don't take any chances and pay for an expert to look it over).

 

[73dart360]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Very good Info in my heart i wanted to stay vintage now its a done deal, thanks guys

 

[JB]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Good decision, dart. The RDs and RDEs are great engines, easy to service, plenty of parts available. I would much prefer an RD to a late model.

 

[64osby]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Great choice. I you want to learn a little just search Sea Horse or Fastwin in the Johnson Evinrude section and you will find tons of information on motors similar to yours.

 

[73dart360]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Im glad im hearing alot of positive remarks about the old motors, keep em coming

 

[Ned L]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

Here's another + for the '57.

(The only comment I make toward newer outboards are for the environmental issues, but in the whole picture of things the older engines are such a small % that they're not really in the overall picture).

 

[nwcove]

Re: Vintage 1957 Johnson or Newer motor ?

you will be grinning from ear to ear the first time you tow someones modern rig back to the dock with the old girl !!!