Hey All,
Figured many would like this one... so last year in my research putting together the 2023 Documentary of
The Pattersquash Gunners Assoc. I reviewed hundreds of vintage images from various members and guests alike. All were relative to the period of 1950's -1960's. As each image displayed its own fascinating history there were some with unique pieces of gear, modified boats, decoys & the "latest & greatest" modern gear in that era. The club had many affluent members in its prime and this was seen with some of the footage captured & presented in the documentary by Tyson Dominy's footage on a 1968 Canon Super 8.
One of the interesting items seen was what looked like a "duck hunter's custom outboard" but made by Evinrude for that purpose.
After some research and other waterfowl addicts / enthusiasts like myself I discovered the existence of these motors produced by Evinrude called the "Duck-Twin" an identical motor to the "Light-Twin, Yacht-Twin, and from what I've found were produced 1952-1966 and deemed pretty reliable motors. Easy to work on and with a 2 piston block the 3.0HP produced enough power to navigate, tow & was light enough to take in / out of car or boat with ease. The design also featured a weedless prop & fold-up lower unit on some that was offered with a factory suit-case.
At that time Evinrude was catering various models specific to uses in the industry for speed boats, water-sports, etc... and the option for duck-hunters was explored. Producing the "Duck-Twin" in factory marsh brown with the signature Duck-Twin logo accompanied by a drake mallard taking flight with another smaller scale in the background.
A few weeks ago, after some messages sent to me about this "vintage style power artifact" I decided to reach out to the owner who lived just outside Harrisburg, PA now. Ray now 72 explained to me this specific motor was his grandfathers. A Mr. Dorsey Rany Burkey 1900-1973. Mr. Burkey lived in Nanty Glo, PA and at the time this was the power to have on the water as many gazed in awe as not too many were available in that part of the country.
I came to find Mr. Dorsey, purchased new in 1961 a Model 3048 after his retirement from the coal mining industry. He purchased it at a local bait & tackle store and used it a handful of times to navigate the rivers for hunting, fishing & cruising around. Since his passing the motor spent the rest of its life in retirement as well leaned up against the back wall of the family's shed.
After exchanging a few messages and running the serial #'s I discovered this model was actually made in Belgium July 1961. At this time a handful of the Duck-Twin motors were produced there. It looked in good shape based on the photos and after some talk with friends, the decision was made to purchase and put on display at the annual Long Island Decoy Collector's show in March. This will be presented for display nearby the newly added "Model Duck Boat Exhibition"!
After making the trip down to Maryland, I stopped and picked up the motor from Ray Burkey who presented me with a photo of his grandfather and him. This will also accompany the display along with the original paperwork, sales brochure, manual and a limited edition record produced by Phil Olt, Jr. "How to Call Ducks" a 45 record that I plan to digitize...
Overall a great find! Glad to preserve this neat history and look forward to showing you all at the March 2025 event!
I took it out on the Great South Bay this past weekend to give it a spin after its tune-up of new plugs, fresh fluids, new fuel lines & carburetor cleaning. Runs Mint!
Here's a few images in use along with a quick video clip:
Watch The 1961 Evinrude DuckTwin Here!
The Boat Pictured Is A 12' WaterFeather Roto-Molde
