Evinrude Outboard Question

Donivan Wells

Active member
Hi fellas, I'm in the market for a small outboard to power my square transom canoe. Now, I have a 5hp Briggs and Stratton outboard, but she's a little heavy for the boat.

I called on a '58 Evinrure 3.5hp that has been recently tuned. Price seems great but my hesitation is in the fact that I'm ot sure the motor has the tell-tail waterstream so you can tell water pump is in order. The motor will ONLY be used for duck hunting and I'm worried that I could develop ice or suck in a weed that would block the impeller.

I've never owned a 2 stroke outboard.....am I being too cautious?? Should I hold out for a later model that has the "pisser"....

What are your thoughts? Any help would be appreciated!
 
I'm not shur they're the same, but 1955& 57 johnson 5.5hp. have a downward facing hole on the back of the unit bout half way between the cavation plate & the bottom of the engine cowling that exhaust & cooling water discharge. The water leaves this hole in a course spray. At high speed the exhaust is discharged thru a hole on the bottom of the cavation plate, back edge, but water still sprays thru the top hole so ya can see water flow. Leave the motor vertical to drain water out of the motor to prevent freezing. If its cheap enough, starts good & runs good, should be ok deal, but parts can be hard to find. I hope this helps.
Dennis
 
The old late 50's e rudes are fine motors. The basic parts are in every omc dealer in the country. There are plenty of on line outboard sites that carry any of the obscure parts. I have a 3 hp lighttwin and ducktwin and are great motors. Use the ducktwin on the 20 Grumman double ender with sidemount. You can find lightwins all day for 250. When you get up to the 51/2 to 7 1/2 motors they require a dual hose tank which are pricey. They are generally a lot heavier for a canoe.
 
Thanks guys....VERY helpful and much appreciated!! The 3.5 Evinrude has the built in tank and is only $175!! I think I'll give it a try....especially if parts are available and I don't have to worry about pricey gas hose :)

Donivan
 
I went look at the Evinrude.....turns out it's a 1951!! It started on 3rd pull and seemed to run well. Appeared well kept.

One problem I found is that there are no gears. If the motor is running the prop is turning......YIKES!!!

The other problem (other than this thing does belong in a museum like Jim said) is the throttle is adjusted by a handle mounted on the front of the motor, not on the tiller handle.....I guess you need two hands to speed up or slow down!!

Thanks for the input. I don't think I can swing a $1000 for a new motor right now but maybe I'll hold out for something a little closer to my age!!
 
I would buy the 1951 It is better built than the new ones. I have one of the new ones. "Plastic"
 
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