How do you like your BIGTWIN???

[jbjennings]

I love old 50's outboards and am really wanting an early 50's evinrude bigtwin. At least I think I want one. Does anyone out there own one or has owned one in the past that has a viewpoint on how good or bad it is? I know that they are heavy but based on what I've read only about 10lbs heavier than a modern one, lighter than the new 4-strokes. I'm speaking of a bigtwin 25hp. How smooth do they run? Are they as reliable as the smaller horsepower evinrudes? Do they wear out fast? Which is the best year for one as far as reliability and parts availablity? I have a 15foot long, 42 inch wide aluminum johnboat that I would like to put one on. I'd like to hear the facts about one before I invest a bunch of money in one---I'll have to have it shipped and it will be really expensive. I also especially like the looks of a '49 johnson 25 hp but don't know anything about these as far as parts availability or reliability. Should I stay away from 'em period or stick to one between '55 or '57? I don't like anything newer.......
Anybody have any info?
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

55-59 are pretty much alike. i've had several all still running. with new coil,condensors, points and wires, carb job, should be like new. concern when i buy is compression and the lower unit gears.

 

[larky]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

i have a 55' 25hp and a 59' 35hp. both are great motors, but the 55' 25 hp is a bit louder than the 59' 35hp. plus i like the look of the 35hp way more. they only had that boxy hood look for two years. but in the end i love them all

 

[hitace]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

You know what they say.No fish is to big for the bigtwin

 

[jbjennings]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

No comments about the weight of the darned things? How about the size? They're loud, huh? I heard one on a videoclip and I liked the way it sounded! But that, of course, wasn't in person...... I was wondering if a person could spray some bedliner under the cowl insides or add some type of insulation to make 'em quieter, as I don't like a loud motor either.
Thanks for your comments, hope I get more about weight and such....
JBJ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

the weight never bothered me. the larger ones always stayed on the boat. 15 i can handle alone, the rest i need help. i don't think the bedliner would help much as the cowls are open in the bottom.

to be cool with a vintage boat and motor,, you have to give up something.

 

[hitace]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

you can find all your weights here http://www.old-omc.de/index2.html

 

[wbeaton]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

The noise is comparable to any 2 stroke outboard of that size. I believe the Aquasonic (quieter) motors began in 1955 while 1956 and newer were slightly quieter still. I have a 1954 and had a 1953. The Big Twins from 1952-1958 would be my choice. There is a nice restored 1958 35hp for sale here for about $500 CDN. I wouldn't pay more than that.

Some people wrap the powerhead with a garbage bag, replace the cowl and fill the bag with spray foam. apparently, it makes it much quieter, but doesn't appreciably increase running temp. I've never tried it. The 1953 25 hp you saw in the video wasn't too loud IMO.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

i saw several on ebay this morning.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

I've run several of the 1954 & prior 25s and they are the loudest of the bunch. Keep in mind, the motor was getting refined and improved - evolving if you will - from its inception in 1951 to the final curtain in the early 1980s. Some were big improvements, like the sealed cowling that came out in 1955. Some were smaller ones, like adding extra and heavier bearings to the wrist pin ends of the rods (changed several times over years). Although good motors in their own right, the 1954 & prior models are the weakest of the series. If you're smart and willing to mix & match, it is possible to update some of those weaknesses (using later, heavier rods & bearings and installing 30hp pistons & head) and still retain the early 1950s styling.
All told, I own three '54 & prior Johnrude 25s, five '56 30s, a '58 35hp, and a '59 35. The '56 Evinrude 30 tiller is probably my favorite...
- Scott

 

[steelespike]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

54 25 hp @ 4,500 rpm was 98 lbs and 35 cubes, with approximately 10 X 12 prop.
A 70 25 @ 5,500 was 84 lbs and 22 cubes with a 9 X 10 prop.
My guess is the 54 has a lot more low end grunt.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

And a 1984 Johnson 25, short shaft, manual start, tiller weighs 105! So, the '54 incarnation weighs LESS than the latish model version!
- Scott

 

[jbjennings]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

Thanks Guys,
That's just the info. I wanted to know. I think I'll stick to looking at '54 through '56 models. I really liked the looks of WBeaton's, '51 evinrude, though. I had no idea the '54 25 was only 98lbs.----I thought it was around 110-130lbs. 130 if it had the electric start--which I don't want. That foam idea was interesting by the way. Now, if I can just find a good one that someone is willing to sell and ship reasonable! --and I can sneak it past my wife! I hope the judge in my future divorce case likes old outboards--it''s my only chance....
JBJ

 

[wbeaton]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

I believe 1952-1954 were basical identical so if you are considering 1954 then don't discount 1952-53. 1955 and onward got some refinements like the gear style throttle linkage you are used to and noise dampening.

As a side note, that 1953 25 hp you saw in my video is much lighter than the 1988 30 hp electric start that normally sits on my boat. I'd say it performs about the same as a 1980's OMC 25 hp and I have seen the GPS numbers to prove it.

Here is the video again for those that missed it. It is just a short clip to show that it runs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxluXSzaqPA

 

[jimmbo]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

54 25 hp @ 4,500 rpm was 98 lbs and 35 cubes, with approximately 10 X 12 prop.
A 70 25 @ 5,500 was 84 lbs and 22 cubes with a 9 X 10 prop.
My guess is the 54 has a lot more low end grunt.

The 1955 brochure shows the 25hp rated 25hp @4000 rpm weight 110 lb rope start, 125 lb electric. 2 lbs more for long shaft. I guess the air siliencer, and rubber mounts added up

 

[cc67]

Re: How do you like your BIGTWIN???

Neat video. I see you're packin a spare.