Bearcat 55 servicable in modern times?

[matt167]

My Chugger boat that I'm building ( on hold for Summer months ) has a 1988 20hp Johnson that I got reasonable. But I really want 4 stroke but also like a vintage look.. A guy local to me has 2 Bearcat 55's that are restored for about $800 each. A Bearcat 55 if it's reliable in modern times would check both boxes... I plan to use the boat for small lakes and canal exploration. Part throttle would be 90% of what it would be doing

I know they used the Crosley engine as the base, and they were great motors of their time, except people didn't buy into the 4 stroke then

 

[Scott Danforth]

Anything is serviceable if you have time, money and tools

However reliability and efficiency are what you should be looking at

 

[matt167]

Anything is serviceable if you have time, money and tools

However reliability and efficiency are what you should be looking at

That's what I mean by serviceable.. It needs to be reliable and something that parts are still available for.

My intentions with the boat were to get it running on the 20hp Johnny, and then buy a brand new Suzuki DF30 with all the bells and whistles like EFI. But I've always liked the Bearcat's.. Since the boat is being built as an excursion vessel for the canals mainly I could be miles from the launch I used

 

[Scott Danforth]

there is one place on the web that does old bearcats for period correct 1967-1972 Whaler restorations.

while it may be a neat engine. its akin to a 1948 Tucker.

 

[flyingscott]

Yes they are serviceable several places have parts for them. Go to the AOMCI for more info.

 

[matt167]

I'll have to look into it. Would likely be perfect for cruising

 

[mtboatin]

I have twin Bearcats on a 1958 Crestliner Vagabond. Both boat and motors about equally odd.
I've researched the living daylights out of the Bearcats and so far it seems they're are going to be tough if not impossible to keep serviced even though they seem to be incredible units. Impellers and oil filters are the first problematic and very important parts that seem to be no longer available. There is rumor someone in CA is modifying an existing impeller to work but at a hefty expense.
https://zemp4cyclemarine.com › bearcat-55
Also out of CA. If I understand correctly was a buyout of one of the main Bearcat focused companies in the last few years. Good luck getting a hold of anyone though. I've left four messages in the last two months with no response.
There is a Facebook group for Bearcats that so far has been a great help. Good luck and keep us posted.