Just trying to get a good idea of the major differences between the 70s era 'rudes. I have an opportunity to pick up a '78 55 horse 'rude with controls that doesn't currently have spark. This motor doesn't have tilt/trim which I'd prefer but its not a deal breaker. I also found a '72 65 horse 'rude with controls that supposedly does run good with working t/t. Would I be gambling on going with the older model '72 vs the '78 model? Just trying to get a handle on maintenance ,etc on these engines. These are fresh water engines and one of them may be going on my 17 ft aluminum fishing boat.
Also, could I get the same job done pushing a roughly 1200 lb aluminum fishing boat with say a smaller 35 or 40 horse instead? Is the gain in fuel economy worth it to go with a little smaller engine of this generation ?
Also, could I get the same job done pushing a roughly 1200 lb aluminum fishing boat with say a smaller 35 or 40 horse instead? Is the gain in fuel economy worth it to go with a little smaller engine of this generation ?