1969 25 Hp Johnny Rude/Kicker?

[jitterbug127]

16x54, 20” tall transom.

 

[jitterbug127]

Don't overthink it. A 3 HP is fine. A 6 won't make you go any faster.

Why a long shaft? They are hard to find in the small HP range. You aren't going to plane the boat, so the position of the AV plate is not critical. You just need the prop to be mostly below the bottom of the boat.

Didn’t know that about not having long enough motor. Great information to know!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Short transom ..... Needs short shaft

My 3hp trolling motor would push it along just fine.... LOL

 

[davidmbv]

I have a 14’ aluminum with a 1970 25hp Johnson along with a 71 and 72.
I also have a 55lb thrust trolling motor and carry oars. I also am a bass fisherman. I’ve had plenty of issues learning how to maintain/revive these old motors. One thing to consider is these older point ignition motors don’t just suddenly stop running. They will usually start “cutting out”, or you will experience some lose of power. I’ve had to limp back to the boat launch more times than I want to remember on one cylinder. But we always got back. However my friends 2016 Honda 15hp short staff has left us stuck. That Honda will not start or run when something goes wrong. He’s had issues with old gas also causing issues and $$& repairs on carb.
I dont know what kind of water you plan to fish but my guess is your 25hp won’t leave you totally stranded. A “kicker motor” may be overkill for that small boat

 

[tphoyt]

Agreed just didn’t want to be the one to say it.
I would think to weight will throw things off balance. I have never had a jon boat so don’t know for sure. Maybe 2 or 3 hp would be fine.
Best

 

[JimS123]

Get a 1.5 HP Evinrude Mate. It would be better than an electric because it would not need that heavy battery.

 

[racerone]

The ignition on the 25 HP in 1969 is elegantly simple.----Separate for each cylinder.-----It runs amazingly well on 1 cylinder.----It tells your arm and shoulder when it is time for some simple maintenance.-----If you shop you can find a totally new ignition for around $100 or less.----On some much newer motors the complete new ignition might set you back $1200 or more.

 

[davidmbv]

Like another mentioned, Leeroys rambling is a great resource. On one page he actually stated the 1969 25hp OMC was the best motor they designed. Let me know if your interested in selling it

 

[jitterbug127]

my thought process did a kicker motor was simply this…this 25 hp motor weights like 80-85 lbs, newer 25 hp motors are going to weight at least twice that. I’ve got a wife, baby and 2 dogs I plan to get out. I thought a kicker would be simple insurance to get home.

 

[jitterbug127]

Motor pictures, long shaft, Johnson lower half of motor. Someone put electric start in it as well. Works really well.

 

[Crosbyman]

if back end weight may be a concern..... storing a small JW 3hp up front should not be a problem.... and much lighter than an electric plus battery
all depends on how much rowing you would do a few miles out but has Racerone indicated the simple & dual easy to fix ignition set up on oldies may fail one sided but it will get you back.. like having a spare engine

 

[JimS123]

my thought process did a kicker motor was simply this…this 25 hp motor weights like 80-85 lbs, newer 25 hp motors are going to weight at least twice that. I’ve got a wife, baby and 2 dogs I plan to get out. I thought a kicker would be simple insurance to get home.

You don't need a kicker, you need a bigger boat. Your Jon isn't safe with that many occupants.

 

[jitterbug127]

I really hadn’t thought about weight being a concern, but you may be right. I think combine weight of myself, wife, dogs and boy are approximately 450 lbs.

 

[airshot]

You will find that 5-10 hp kickers are higher prices as everyone wants one for a kicker. Supply and demand !! I use a little 2.2 hp merc on my 1000lb 16' Sylvan as a kicker, not gonna ski with it, but it runs most of the day on a gallon of gas!! I found one in mint condition, a garage queen with very few hours for 200 bucks as no one wants a motor that small. It only weighs like 30 lbs so weight is not an issue. I do a lot of trolling so I also have a 55 lb bow mount trolling motor with remote. I lick the little merc in a straight forward position then use the bow mount to steer, this way I never leave my seat and have both hands to handle my fishing rods. Works like a charm !! Consider a smaller motor, cheaper and lighter in weight, it will do the job, I am proof of that....

 

[airshot]

I really hadn’t thought about weight being a concern, but you may be right. I think combine weight of myself, wife, dogs and boy are approximately 450 lbs.

Just looked up capacities on 16' x 54" jon boats...avg weight capacity is over 950 lbs so you should be fine in smaller bodies if water and rivers. Obviously you shouldnt venture out in large lakes on windy days with a jon boat. You mentioned your 20" transom, even better as that can add another 50-75 lbs to the weight capacity. Make sure you have all your safety gear, especially for that little guy, mabey a future fisherman!!
Looking forward to some pics in the water !!

 

[jitterbug127]

Just looked up capacities on 16' x 54" jon boats...avg weight capacity is over 950 lbs so you should be fine in smaller bodies if water and rivers. Obviously you shouldnt venture out in large lakes on windy days with a jon boat. You mentioned your 20" transom, even better as that can add another 50-75 lbs to the weight capacity. Make sure you have all your safety gear, especially for that little guy, mabey a future fisherman!!
Looking forward to some pics in the water !!

That’s exactly what I saw on multiple manufactures sites before I bought this boat. I thought it should have plenty of weight capacity for us, But jims123 says that we’ll be over weight. I’m new to learning about boats, so is there something obvious that I am missing?

 

[Scott Danforth]

That’s exactly what I saw on multiple manufactures sites before I bought this boat. I thought it should have plenty of weight capacity for us, But jims123 says that we’ll be over weight. I’m new to learning about boats, so is there something obvious that I am missing?

weight capacity on small boats is the motor, fuel tank, fuel lines, all gear, anything in the cooler plus you and your guests.

so start adding up everything, including your bimini top, ropes, etc. and you would be surprised at how much less beer you can bring.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Plus a jon boat doesn't have a lot of free board so you will want to be very careful.

Precious cargo on board!

 

[rolmops]

I would sell the 25 horse and replace it with a 10 horse. You would still zoom around at a decent speed, but you would not need a kicker.

 

[racerone]

Best to keep the 25 HP for that boat!