'82 Merc 4 hp "Gnat". Our first motor

[harringtondav]

Model 40 twin cyl 'cheapo' motor as described by some. Clutch is a square wire Chinese finger trap self tightening coiled spring connecting the FWD gear hub to the prop shaft. Neutral lever drove a shaft down to catch a tab on the spring to open it up. Reverse was swinging the motor aft.

Coupled to our 17' Grumman canoe, $1000 all in for motor, canoe, side mount, gear. Wife and I were set. Cooler full of brewskies, 45 cent pack of Swisher Sweet no tips, samiches or KFC, transistor radio. Weekends were good for a starting-out couple. Shallow rivers, sand bars. Life was great.

Kids eventually came, and outgrew the canoe. Then came our current Larson.

I think of our first $1000 enjoyment every time I see a smaller boat full of family cruising past our river place. Water access is free. You don't need to spend a bundle to enjoy it.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Many of my favorite times in my life did not have anything to do with how much or how little coin I had in my pocket. I payed 500 bucks for my very 1st car, a 1967 MGB and was over the Moon with joy.