1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

glennbobg

Cadet
Joined
Dec 29, 2007
Messages
10
I came across a couple of 5.5 hp Johnson outboards at the local scrap yard they turn over and seem to have some compression. The model numbers are cd-15 and cd-13. They are in pretty good cosmetic shape as well being 50 years old and all. What are they worth the scrap yard guy wants $100 each. Any comments I will go and click some pics on monday.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

In unknown running condition, $100 each would be the MAX I'd consider paying.
 

rjezuit

Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 24, 2007
Messages
418
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

I agree $100 max for the lot. Rick
 

kenmyfam

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Aug 10, 2006
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14,392
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

If they are in the scrapyard then they are worth their weight in scrap !!! and that is all in my opinion.
 

JimS123

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Jul 27, 2007
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8,142
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

Funny thing, I just came across a similar deal on Cragslist a few weeks ago. A guy was cleaning out his garage to move and sold me his two 1950's Johnson 5.5 HP motors for $35. (That's $17.50 each!)

I bought a similar Johnson at this year's antique boat show / Antique Outboard Motor Club swap meet for $30.

I find them all the time at garage sales for 20 bucks. Some run, some don't. Many just need a new coil or have the points cleaned.

A pristime example in running condition could go as high as $100, but only if it can be demonstrated to have a spark.

E-bay motors go for 100 bucks but you end up paying $200 with shipping. Most of thoise are non-runners.

Hope this helps.
 

1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
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Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

Hmmmmm......$100.00 apiece at a scrap yard? Hell they likely got them for free. I wouldn't offer them any more than $100.00 for both. However, if they are in nice condition cosmetically, then it could be a decent deal.:cool:
 

Landscaping Wiz 808

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
498
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

I agree with all of the above! Wave four $20 bills in front of the scrap man's face and I bet he'll take it! If not, reluctantly offer another $10-$20 and you've got two brand new (to you:D) 5.5hps!

Don't forget to post pictures of 'em when you get 'em!

BOB
 

Chinewalker

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Joined
Aug 19, 2001
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8,902
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

My local scrapper sells me outboards at their mixed metal price, which is typically 15?-20? a pound. Outboards aren't worth much as scrap until they've been stripped into aluminum, steel, copper and stainless piles. I picked up a nice 1953 Sea King 5hp last year for $12.00, and all it needed was a cleaning of the points and a waterpump impeller!
 

Mas

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
1,656
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

What they're worth depends on who is selling them & buying. If the person selling them isn't an outboard hobbiest...they're worth $100s! The beginner outboarder will spend that money because they do not know the values either.

Those particular motors are very common and are a good motor to begin the hobby. Being said, go to a antique outboard motor meet and you will find someone who will sell you the motors for around $30 each if it has not been completely gone through.

Basically, the price is low because you do not know what you're getting into. Impellers, LU gaskets sets, coils, points...you're already into it for $150 plus dollars...not to mention possible compression issues!

So, if you buy the motor for $100 and put $200 into it...is it worth $300?? Nope!! But that again depends on who you sell it to!

Mas
 

1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: 1950's 5.5 hp what's it worth?

Well, if you plan on keeping this motor to use and run the **** out of it, then I would say having 300 bucks into it, isn't a bad thing. If you want to buy it to make a few bucks on, then yea, parts costs could add up quickly. If you go the the dealorships, you'll find that a lot of them sell motors to the "beginner" for more than what you and I could, but then again, they'll have it on the rack for months, before it finally moves. Shopping at the right price is the key.:cool:
 
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