That motor is much older then your boat. As Racer1 said, it's a thirsty beast, just like my Johnson FatFifty will be. But I'm putting mine on a 1957 Duracraft, which won't see lots of use and I definitely won't be using every day. In my case, operational and looking period correct are my primary concerns, not fuel costs.
For a Fish/Ski, that is likely to see lots of use, I think I'd look for a 3cyl more modern Johnson/Evinrude motor. Much more reliable, much lighter and significantly more fuel efficient, which are all very important in high use, constantly on and off the throttle (like skiing/tubing), boating
I suspect a you can find parts and pieces to get it running if you decide to stick w the '58 Evinrude though
Good luck either way you proceed.
FYI, I'm looking for an outboard, and did a Craigslist search this morning, and there are more outboards for sale this week then last. For the next few weeks, month +/-, is probably still a good time to buy a motor as guys pull their old motor to swap for newer/larger HP for their own boats.
If you decide you want to swap to a different outboard, it may make more sense to work on the hull until fall, then look for a donor boat someone is looking to dump because they've given up on a project or it's too large a task and their Admiral wants it OUT OF THE YARD. Might end up w/ a better trailer, an outboard and possibly other odds and ends you need to wrap up your VIP.
This is what was on the back of my 1979 VIP tri hull dont know alot about outboards but this is the oldest looking outboard I have ever seen in my life. I would like to restore this old guy and keep him going so im sure ill have a ton of questions. If anyone has any information on this guy I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Storm
