Recommended 50hp models/years

[phralh]

Time to get a bigger engine this spring. I'm thinking of getting a 50/55hp rude or johnson, but don't know what models or manufacturing years to look for, or to stay away from. Boat is rated for 50hp max.

Have two '68 6hp, one '76 9.9hp, and one '82 2hp. Done all work myself on these, so I'm not new to outboards.

Any recommendations? I'm think I'm gonna stay away from the electric shift models.

Thanks

 

[5150abf]

Re: Recommended 50hp models/years

I have an 81 Evinrude 50, still has the original head gasket(factory paint on it still) and has 130 compression.
The only problems I have ever had with it were self inflicted or regular maintenance.
I am sure I will be corrected on this but anything prior to 95-96 should be fine, after that OMC was running into problems(bankruptcy) and was making everything as cheap as possible, anything after BRP took over is fine too,'99 I think.
Of coarse any motor can be turned to crap if it isn't taken care of so be wary and check everything out before you buy anything.
Good luck

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Recommended 50hp models/years

anything from 1978 and newer. have had several 50's over the years. easy to work on.

 

[phralh]

Re: Recommended 50hp models/years

Thanks for the replies!

Out of curiosity, what happend '78?

What about overheat buzzers and similar features, what models incorporate such gadgets?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Recommended 50hp models/years

They didn't make a 50 for '76 and '77, the had 55 horse and I believe alot of them were eletric shift and they were horrible, if someone wants to give you one say no.
'78 & '79 were regularlowers and they had a redesign in '80, from then on they are esentially the same, some tweaks here and there.
popped the hood off a 2001 and it looked almost identical to mine, I'm sure they had changed alot of things by then but they looked the same.
Anything '78 or newer has the alarm on it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Recommended 50hp models/years

69-72 were hydro-electric shift, 73-77 were hydro-mechanical shift, they are good motors, as long as the oil pump in the lower does not go $600. 78 up and mechanical shift.

 

[Jacob645]

Re: Recommended 50hp models/years

I have a 1975 50hp. It has done very well for me after fixing everything that the previous owner messed up! Very easy to work on!