1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 3, 2009

I have a 1960 40 hp seahorse which I would like to convert to tiller controls. It has electric start and an alternator. I am putting this on a 1959 Lonestar 16 foot aluminum boat and am not really interested in fooling around with remote control and steering wheel. Is it feasible to preserve the electric start and alternator function with this configuration? Does anyone know where I can get a tiller handle? What is the best wat to go about doing this? Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. (I am currently running a 1956 Evinrude Fastwin on an ancient 14 foot aluminum boat...runs like a dream...ready for a new project

F_R · Mar 3, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

I believe the 1960 still had the little emergency throttle lever on the front corner, right? That comes off and a tiller bolts into it's place. All you need is the parts. It was originally sold as an accessory for many years.

The starter solenoid and voltage regulator are contained in the junction box with a cable forward to the instrument panel. Easiest way is to continue using that stuff and mount the switches somewhere near where you will be seated.

BTW, that is a DC generator, not an alternator.

tashasdaddy · Mar 4, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

agree^^^

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 4, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

Thanks for the info. I will look around for the tiller handle, and hopefully start the project this week end.

I enjoy tinkering..its almost an addiction. I got the motor for $200 and the boat and trailer for $1000. It should make a pretty nice fishin rig once I get it all together...the 14 footer will have to do till then

Thanks again.

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 7, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

That kit that you mentioned; what is all included? I have found a handle I think will work and was wondering if there were more parts I needed. TY for your help.

F_R · Mar 7, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

Like this...

jasper60103 · Mar 7, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

Yea, it may take a little time and patience to find all the parts. I got lucky on that one though.

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 14, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

I found the part OMC#377949 online for $152 and some change: but then I was fortunate to find a junk 35 around the same year for $100. It had the handle and intact short lower unit as well as an almost complete motor. My 40 started right up and the handle worked fine. Soon I'll have the boat together. TY for every ones help; I''l keep posting on the progress.

samo_ott · Mar 14, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

A 40 with a tiller. Wow. That's a lotta power on a tiller!

samo_ott · Mar 14, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

tashasdaddy said:
agree^^^

Hey, I can get to 37,000+ posts also with answers like this!

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 15, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

It's only 5 more HP than the 35 (mabey 33 but close enough) that the tiller handle came off of...besides I have big arms LOL...

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 15, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

Actually my 40 pales in comparison to these:
http://www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/outboard-expert-mercury-marine-big-tiller

Presqueisle Pirate · Mar 15, 2009

Re: 1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

Also upon closer inspection today I realized that what I thought was RDS 22L turned out to be RDS 24L...a 1962 rather than a 1960?

1960 Johnson 40 Hp Sea horse

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