Collecting older outboard suggestions?

[Theoutdoorsman]

I've been pondering the various models of evinrude outboards to obtain one, and restore back to its original condition, solely as a hobby. I'm looking for well sought after models that really appeal to enthusiasts as true "eye candy" as well as ruggedness and dependability. So far I've narrowed this down to the 1955-1957 35hp Lark. For some reason, I think they are absolutely gorgeous!!! Especially the '57!!! What I like most about these models is the rounded looks of the cowling. The square looks of later years just does nothing for me. I was wondering if anyone else could give me any opinions as to what other models that they find appealing that fit the same characteristics. Some photo's, of which, would be fantastic!! Thanks guy's!!!!!.................. ALAN

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

The Johnson Javelin is a beautiful motor, as well as sought after. Cant go wrong with it on the back of a wooden boat of the same vintage.





Meet some of the guys as www.AOMCI.org and start going to the meets.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

As of right now I have (2) 57 models, one 35hp Johnson (electric start) and one 35hp Evinrude (standard). I also have a 55 10hp Johnson that I am going to try and get running also. Other motors that I own now include a 1970 9.5hp, a 1959 5.5hp Johnson (that I just started up yesterday), and a Wards outboard.

I plan on restoring both the 1957 Johnson and Evinrude motors back to original some time down the road.

I know where there is an Evinrude Lark sitting right now, I couldn't afford to buy it, it is still for sale. I wanna say it was bigger then a 35hp though.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

Love the Johnson Javelin High Trim!!!!! That might just be another prospect!!! I really like the chrome accents in that era. I have a funny feeling I had better get my check book out when looking to buy my project motor............. . Something tells me it's not going to be cheap. Just out of curiosity, what would you consider a reasonable purchase price of one of the aformentioned outboards, either the Lark and/or the Javelin, in good used condition of course? Thanks for the photo's........just beautiful!!!

Wildmaninal.......

I know where there is an Evinrude Lark sitting right now, I couldn't afford to buy it, it is still for sale. I wanna say it was bigger then a 35hp though.

See what you can find out about it if it wouldn't be too much trouble. Year, price, and what not. Where is it located? If I'm not mistaken, didn't Evirude make a 40hp Lark?

 

[F_R]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

You can see them all at http://www.old-omc.de/

 

[cc67]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

Big ones, little ones, like em all.

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[freddyray21]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

the Javelin's can be found still reasonable if they need work. The deal is to make sure you get all the chrome and ect as those parts are the expensive ones. I have two of them 57's and don't need them both. I would part with a fixer upper I have and not too expensive either. It is all complete for the most part but it's a project motor.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

I called about a 25 horse sea horse today, and as luck would have it, the guy sold it yesterday for $85!!!!!!!! It had been in storage for some time and still had a shine on it. Wasn't looking for one of these, but for the $$$, who in their right mind could pass that up!!! Talk about "a day late and a dollar short"........ ......


Thanks for that link F_R!!!!


EDITTED: Added photo of missed opportunity.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

The 50s vintage 35hp Johnsons and Evinrudes are great motors to restore because there are still quite a few of them around. They were also very similar mechanically to the later 28hp and 33hp OMCs, and many of the parts are interchangeable.

If you like the Larks and Javelins, you can either look for one that is original and complete, or you can look for a hood and face plate to match up with a standard Bigtwin or Seahorse. Since the rest of the motors are identical to the "fancier versions," everything will fit - a little paint on the other parts to match up to the hoods and you have a Lark or Javelin!

You can also do things like install a fuel pump on the motors just by swapping the upper bypass cover with one off of a 28hp or 33hp motor. I have a pair of '58 Bigtwins that have been converted to fuel pump fuel delivery systems. I also installed Mercury starter solenoids (smaller than OMC) in them by removing the airboxes and using 33hp carb faceplates with the older style, long needle valves and knobs.

An original Lark or Javelin in pristine condition could certainly fetch a hefty price, and a completely restored and painted motor that is all original parts (except impeller, etc.), would also command an approriately high price. That said, there are quite a few of these motors around and buying one in "fixer upper" condition need not be expensive.

Go find ya one and have some fun rebuilding it!

 

[Kajun37]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

i got my eye out for a 57 javelin also

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

Check out the AOMCI at www.aomci.org and look to see if there is a chapter in your area. It's spring and swap meet time. Also keep an eye on craigslist. You'll find one, just keep looking. Save the old iron one piece at a time.

 

[Rockchalk]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

Boy that green one brings back memories? What year is that? I pretty much discovered boating, fishing and skiing as a kid with a 10hp like that one. We had it on an old 16? river jon. Unfortunately it was lost (sunk)? or stolen? after a big storm may years ago. I?d love to find a 10 hp in that vintage and color.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

Boy that green one brings back memories? What year is that? I pretty much discovered boating, fishing and skiing as a kid with a 10hp like that one. We had it on an old 16? river jon. Unfortunately it was lost (sunk)? or stolen? after a big storm may years ago. I?d love to find a 10 hp in that vintage and color.

I'm not 100% certain on the year. The owner had no idea either. I'd sure like to have gotten my hands on her though!!!!! And for $85....... I'm sure many others would have as well...... ........ It's likely that the outboard sold for $50. Doesn't that make you just sick?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

That 25 of cc67's is a '55 model. I like it too! I have a '55 10hp johnson and really love it. My favorite years and motors to collect is a '58 evinrude 18hp electric start. Mine's not e'start but I might change it over when I get the money. I also really like the '57 18hp johnson e-start, too. They are a LOT better on gas than the 25's although I really like the 25's too. I think I'd like to have a '57 35 hp johnson tiller if they make one because I doubt it would use that much more gas thatn the 25 and they are reallly sharp to me. I also like the 10hp's. An e-start '56 15 johnson would be at the top of my list were I to find one, too. Johnson only made the 15 for one year in the 50's.
I like the javelins too, in particular the red '56 javelin.
I think a person should collect whatever he likes the best because they made and sold so many OMCoutboards that not really any of 'em have enough value to make the profit worth the time and effort it takes to restore any of 'em---if there is any profit. I just like to work on 'em. It relaxes me MOST of the time.
Just my opinion,
JBJ

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

I think my search has ended with a 1957 Johnson Javelin!!!! Found one about 30 minutes from home in "fixer-up" condition for $150. I'm on my way to pick her up right now!!! Does anyone have any suggestions on where to find an OEM service manual and parts manual for those engines in that era? I'll keep checking eBay's handy dandy site for them in the meantime. It seems to be the only place to find the manuals at a reasonable price these days. I'll post some photo's once I have it back home in the garage to share with you guys. Also, some first hand knowledge/pointers on beginning the restoration process would be most appreciated!! Also, I'd like to build a stand on which to hang this jewel. If anyone can offer up some ideas as to where I can find some plans to make one, that'd be great!!! Thanks in advance gentlemen................. ALAN

EDIT: Make that $100!!! Stand included!!! Here's a photo for you guys.......

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

As far as I can tell right now she has a good lower unit and good compression. Actually, the owner said the motor was last opperated last year and put away dry. I will know more in the coming days. Be ready for some questions. I'm sure I'll have plenty........

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

Looks like a SUPER Buy to me Outdoorsman. I wouldn't want to pay for the rechrome though. If that white paint is original, that motor was well cared for. Neat motor. 100 bucks?? WHat a deal.
JBJ

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

$100? Good deal. How'd you talk him down?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

I've been pondering the various models of evinrude outboards to obtain one, and restore back to its original condition, solely as a hobby. I'm looking for well sought after models that really appeal to enthusiasts as true "eye candy" as well as ruggedness and dependability. So far I've narrowed this down to the 1955-1957 35hp Lark. For some reason, I think they are absolutely gorgeous!!! Especially the '57!!! What I like most about these models is the rounded looks of the cowling. The square looks of later years just does nothing for me. I was wondering if anyone else could give me any opinions as to what other models that they find appealing that fit the same characteristics. Some photo's, of which, would be fantastic!! Thanks guy's!!!!!.................. ALAN

In general what I do is to keep/collect any metal top engine I get that uses a pressure tank (i.e. 50's). Then any fibreglass ones with a single hose I get that are in good shape I sell to help pay for my money pit hobby.

And I also agree with JBJ, the '58 Johnson's are my favorite when it comes to colors and logos. The elec start 18 was high on my list to get until I got one this past winter with no LU. Soon I'll get it out and running.

But be careful because now that you've started with your first one before you know it your back shed will look like this! (good thing I have the only key and the wife does not look in there!)

(oh yeah, and ignore that 4.5 in there, it's way to new for me, I'm storing it for a neighbour. If it was mine I would have sold it long ago!)

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Collecting older outboard suggestions?

I wouldn't want to pay for the rechrome though. If that white paint is original, that motor was well cared for.

I worry about that too. But at least I have a place to start. The white paint looks to be original but may have been painted. I'll take a closer look today after work. Any ideas where I can get it rechromed or find replacements?

How'd you talk him down?

Funny thing is, I didn't have to. I told him my intentions and he reduced voluntarily. I had every intention to purchase at the original price. He was a really great guy and had several other old motors in his shed. Like me, he did it as a hobby himself. He's just getting to the age where tugging these things around is almost impossible now. He threw in the stand to save me some trouble finding one. Very nice guy. I stayed and talked for about 3 hrs.

But be careful because now that you've started with your first one before you know it your back shed will look like this!

LOL...... Your probably right. Right now, I have my eye on a '57 Evinrude Lark. If the price is right, I'll likely own another very shortly........ LOL

Guess I should have read that sticky about the manuals at the top of the board before posting for help finding one. Thanks guys............. ALAN