Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

mainer4

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
18
Hi all,
I love vintage machines, owning two 1975 Honda 4 cylinder motorcyles, a 1963 Evinrude 28HP big twin, and my daily driver, 1984 Dodge Rampage. So I know about points and condenser ignition systems, how to adjust valves, and the wonders of 2 stroke operation. I am looking for a small, lightweight motor to push my 16' canoe around some nice ponds in my part of Maine. After some research I have identified a few candidates for consideration and am looking for opinions or suggestions on motors I may have overlooked. Here is my short list in order of preference, 1951-1954 Martin 20, Evinrude 3.5HP (I had one of these, a 1952, but returned it to the original owner when he asked for it back), Elgin 1.25HP (I think this was the 1947 or so), and finally an ESKA air cooled 3HP from about 1961 or so. I think that some of the Sears motors were rebranded ESKA's, there is one on Ebay right now for $100 with the famous, "runs good, carburetor leaks gas".

Anyway, appreciate your thoughts suggestions, and any leads on the Martin 20...:)
 

twocyclemania

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
505
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

My recommendations: A 3 evinrude/johnson made from about 51 to the early 60's. 1.5 and 2 hp evinrude/johnsons made from the late 60's to the 80's. These mentioned are newer and much more reliable than the one's you're considering but go for them if you're adventurous. Especially if you've run them on the water and are confident. If you still want to stick with the older vintage motors I'd go for a 3.6 Scott and it's cousins (like Firestone); made from 1946 till about the late 60's. I do have a 2.0 Elgin air cooled and it's a great motor. A good running Eska is also in the running. My favorite out of all of these; the 3 evinrude/johnsons. They run forever.
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

Find a good used Tanaka 3HP....air cooled, simple, 25 lbs.....
 

nwcove

Admiral
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
6,293
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

one of these little neptune mighty mites would be an option......
 

tomhath

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
814
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

The one-cylinder air cooled Eskas are light, cheap and generally easy to get working, but they're also kind of rough and noisy.

Another option if it isn't too big for the canoe would be one of the folding Evinrudes from the late 60's.

1967 Evinrude Boat Engine
 

brim_buster

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Messages
1,203
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

my 74 evin 4hp was great and quiet pushed me and the wife in a 12ft alum no problems :)
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

Props for the Tanaka are no longer available.

I've been running a Tanaka for over 30 years and while you might lose a prop, you'll never break one or wear it out...that little centrifugal clutch really helps protect the prop.....so if you can find a clean Tanaka, and it has a prop, then grab it!...Darn good little motors!
 

woodsailboat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
108
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

I personally have had great luck with a 1960s British seagull. Runs like new, has a solid aluminum impeller which will never wear out, and is the simplest motor I've ever seen.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

Johnny JW or JH. The finest outboard ever made, by anyone.
 

dkonrai

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 9, 2009
Messages
719
Re: Recommendations for a light 2-3.5HP canoe pusher?

if you want vintage, johnson t series.
or 52-68 johnson/evinrude 3 hp very nice dependable smooth quiet light.
only reason i would go with the johnnyrudes are parts are around, cheap, a full tune up including lower unit seals will be less than 130 bucks. that investment will let that motor run another 50 years. or find one that all done with paint and decals. i have seen really nice models for around 250-300. dont know where you are located but out west thats about the going rate. non runners 20-100 depending on condition.

jmho
dino
 
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