What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

[mixin]

Alright, I've go the green light to purchase my first vintage motor to start making memories with my family! From the research I've done I've narrowed it down to 1954-58 OMC 3hp units for my typical 12' aluminum rowboat as my #1 choices, with 54-55 Johnson JWs as my favorite due to appearances. Of these choices, I'm looking for a #1 condition motor that has been revitalized and will run great for years to come with proper maintenance only, if possible.

I have also seen that similar 5hp and under OMCs from the 40's and early fifties are valued at a much lower $$ amount (according to Peter Hunn's book). Are these motors worth less due to a lesser design or features?

What are the subtle differences between these years of motors? Which do you think I look for and why?

Thanks so much for your 2 cents!!!

Mike
Grand Rapids, MI

 

[jbjennings]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

My suggestion would be the JW's from '55 and up. Quiet, easy to find parts for. Super good motors. Older than the '50's and they are a little harder to find parts for. Not that bad, but harder. A '55 and up 5.5hp or even a 7.5hp would also be nice. I like the '55 and up because they have a belly pan/sealed cowl and are a little quieter.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

I agree - middle 50s and up are your best bet for a motor that can be used on a regular basis. Anything older than that and you will begin to have problems obtaining parts.

 

[F_R]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

The '54-up are sweeter running motors without having to be a mechanic to understand them. That is not a bash at the older ones, just a fact of life. They also have the weedless drive.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

true the older one's had goofy carbs that take a lot of tinkering. If you want a pull and go motor the mid to late 50's.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Hi mixin,

"according to Peter Hunn's book" - Great book, but pick up a copy of the book below on amazon before you make that purchase. It deals almost exclusively with old'er' OMCs, and has all of the pros and cons of different years. When you do decide on a particular model the book will help guide you toward bringing it back to life. Good luck to you and when you get one, post some pictures!

BOB

 

[wbeaton]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Like everyone else has said stick with the 1954 and newer Johnson/Evinrudes. There are some models pre-1954 you can consider, but you are looking for something around 5 hp or less so stick with 1954 as your baseline. If you decide on a JW then any motor from 1952-67 is fine. Some would say to stay away from the mid 60's on due to the fixed high speed jet. I won't tell you that. I have both and I like them the same.

Any reason you don't want a bigger motor? A 12' boat can typically run up to 10 hp or so depending on design. What is your boat rated for? Those old 3 hp motors hold their value quite well where I am. Around here $270-300 buys one, where as a 1950's 10 hp can often be found for the same amount or often less.

 

[mixin]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Thanks for all of the great replies!!!

'54 and up it is! I will probably look for 54-58 evinrude or Johnson, as I am partial to the styling of these motors.

Bob - YES, I have that book on hold at my library! I am anxious for it to be returned so I can check it out! - Hopefully it will be there Saturday.

wbeaton - Yes, boat is rated for 10hp, but I plan on putting the boat on top on my pop-up camper's boat rack frequently, so portability is a concern for me. I like the idea of putting a little green JW in the back of my S-10 Blazer to go camping/fishing/cruising around. Besides, I think the wife is a little scared of getting something that will plane the boat out with our 3yr old in it. Maybe when he's a little older...

Thanks again all!!! Hopefully, I'll find something nice enough to show off some pics of!

Mike

 

[mixin]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Around here $270-300 buys one,

$270-300 CN or US?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

last year i rebuilt a 1954 7.5 evinrude fleetwin. I learned enough during that build and by asking questions here to understand that if they have good compression, and shift well, you have a super swet motor that will turn some heads. im working on a 52 johnson now, and it's a bit more challenging. Motors have throttles on em.you wont be overpowering it if you stay at or below the ratings..I would highly reccomend the 54 7.5. Nice looking, and bulletproof. Tight lines..

 

[hawkman222]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Something else to keep in mind. Those older OMC's had the dual line pressurized gas tanks. They're not too hard to find, but your best deal would probably be a motor that came with the tank. I had an old '57 35HP Bigtwin. Great motor, I regret selling it.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

$270-300 CN or US?

Thanks!

Mike

Canadian.

The 7.5 hp is a great motor. I have several. If noise is an issue get something from 1955 and after. The 1954 doesn't have the noise deadening bellypan that JBJ mentioned.

You don't have to run at WOT. I'd suggest getting a bigger motor since they will all be about the same price anyway. That way you won't need to upsize later.

There are pros and cons to everything, though. If you need a bulit in tank then the 3 hp is for you. The 10 hp is a lot heavier, but will be the last motor you ever need. The 7.5 hp is a great size and its still reasonably light. It may plane the boat with just you, but not the family. Here are the rough weights to give you an idea of what you are looking at.

3 hp = 32 lbs
5.5 hp = 47 lbs
7.5 hp = 56 lbs
10 hp = 67-72 lbs (1954 is 60 lbs)

Here's my girlfriend running a 1954 7.5 hp on a 12' boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1_JCS_1UcI&feature=channel_page

 

[mixin]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Canadian.

I'd suggest getting a bigger motor since they will all be about the same price anyway. That way you won't need to upsize later.

Here's my girlfriend running a 1954 7.5 hp on a 12' boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1_JCS_1UcI&feature=channel_page

Good point. Nice vids! I love that sweet '53 QD! For some reason the green Johnsons get coolness points in my book - I love the color and they have some nice lines IMO.
Even though you make a great point with the price thing, for the built in tank and ease of use, I think the 3hp is for me. The great part is, if I pay a reasonable price for one - I probably won't be able to loose any money on it if I decide to go with a QD or Evinrude equivilent next year.

Thanks Wayne, et all, for your input - now I know I'm on the right track!

Mike

 

[lindy46]

Re: What's the difference between these vintage OMC small motors?

Check out Grand Rapids and Muskegon Craig's List - I've seen several 3hp Johnsons on there the last few days.