Which is the better motor ???

[Grandv8]

I have choice of two motors to use on my Lone star it is a 16 foot enclosed bow, remote steer and throttle.

A 1956 Johnson 30, or a 1962 Johnson 40, I know these have to be relatively similar motors I just wonder if one is a better choice and why ? Thanks in advance

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

If your talking about just pushing your boat the 40hp of course
But as far as the better choice nobody can say without knowing about the motors themselves
If for some reason those are your only two choices run the basic tests on each (compression, spark, ect) & choose the best of the two

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

If the '56 30hp runs well it will win you WAY more style points. Although the 40hp will push you faster. HMMM!

Guess you'll have to get both and take turns using them.

BOB

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

Electric shift on the 40, electric start, over-all condition. That 30 is a very basic motor, good supply of parts, probably run forever.

 

[Grandv8]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

I have both sort of. I own the 56 30 horse, it is a electric start also remote steer, throttle etc. The 40 I can pick up for 75 dollars, it runs as well as the other, both are in good shape, with just basic maintenance needed, the compression test however would be a great idea.......The boat is a 1957 Lone Star Clipper, it is really retro looking with a split windsheild and heavy aluminum windsheild frame, the boat is aluminum and reasonably light so I would think either would push it adequately. I also have a nice rebuilt 1965 Evinrude 9.5 on the trolling plate, so retro is the flavor, but I think the 62 is plenty retro in itself. I am more looking for ease of maintenance and reliability....

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

The '62 model is really heavy. Even more than the '56.
Myself, I'd rather not have the '57 boat with the '62 motor on it. The '56 30 is a beautiful motor, and I'm hoping to get one myself soon. I can't believe you'd even consider it, owning the 30 already!
The '62 is a really ugly motor, I think.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[Grandv8]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

Here is a little more information for you to help me.
I am leaning on the 56 motor I own. BUT the 56 runs but has not been started in 6 years. The 62 is said to run fine now. Also If I got the 62 with its electric shift, do I need a special control box or what. My biggest concern is reliability....

 

[lindy46]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

If the 56 has good compression, I'd stick with that on a '50s boat. Just go through the "awakening a sleeping outboard" and it should be good for many more years. The 62 electric shift has just more stuff to go wrong. And if the seller says it runs good, you never know. It would have different controls also. I'd bet on a motor I already know something about. It it were me, if the 40hp had good compression, I'd buy it for $75 and keep it as a back-up - that's a good price.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

I can't recall if my '69 johnson 40hp had a special shift box or not, but I would assume it had to in order to have the switches for the lower unit. However, I'd not even consider the motor anyway if it did not come with controls. Those 40's do have a whole lot of power and shift really nice when they're working, BUT, I had to have mine worked on more than once. If the lower unit leaks any at all it is worthless. Electric shift parts are really hard to find.
I wouldn't have it, personally. And BTW, folks always describe them as "running fine now". That doesn't mean they will continue running fine very long. Your '56 should be able to be brought back in good running condition with a new water pump and carb cleaning, possibly some coils as well. Did it hold gear well running wide open? Did its lower unit leak? If it's lower unit was good, I'd definitely go with the '56, but then again, I'm totally biased.
JBJ

 

[Grandv8]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

well that kind of sets me on the 56, question though
would the 62 be worth buying for 75 and changing impeller and giving it a tune up then reselling it.....

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Which is the better motor ???

well that kind of sets me on the 56, question though
would the 62 be worth buying for 75 and changing impeller and giving it a tune up then reselling it.....

Probably not. Those are hard motors to sell and you may end up with more in it than its worth. The electric shift lower units scare me because I don't know anything about them. I believe they take a different control than the standard remote setup.

I stick with the 30 hp, but the 40 hp should technically be the better motor. If the 40 hp had a mechanical shift lower unit I'd say go with it.