BG>What I was wanting to know--- which is better --- Johnson/evinrude or
Johnson/Evinrude engines are identical engines excepting the color. Both
are manufactured by OMC (Outboard Manufacturing Co.)
BG>something else.  My dad is an avid merc fan and he has told me quite a
BG>bit about them--- Higher revs, smoother running due to more cylinders,
That was true many many years ago, but no longer. OMC has made a V/8 for
years, and the RPM's on many of their engines are up in the 6000rpm
area.
BG>etc.. I am handcuffed into the older versions because of my old cable
BG>steer system, which I am thinking puts a slight twist on things.  Any
If you're speaking of the "Tiller Cable" type steering, I'd agree that
it's best to avoid the higher horsepower engines, regardless of the size
of the boat, however the steering setup can be changed over to what is
refered to "Mechanical Steering" for approximately $200 plus labor. This
of course depends on the length of the cable, etc.
BG>of the OMC people I talk to want to put all the mercs at the bottom of
BG>the nearest lake/pond/cesspool etc... I was looking for a rebuttal from
BG>the mercury crowd I guess.  Any Ideas???
OMC's outlook is understandable. A "Ford" dealer will not brag up a
"Chevy" either.
BG>I have looked at a few of the late 60's to early 70's johnsons and they
BG>seem to me to be quite bulky and heavy.  I know the 4cyl. mercs were
BG>quite a bit lighter and smaller.  By the way I'm looking in the range
The 4 Cyl Mercs were smaller, but I don't think they were lighter. It
was just a case of packing everything very close together under the
shroud.
BG>of 4o to 60 hsp.  I've got a '58 johnson 35hsp and I've got my doubts
BG>as to whether skiing would work out to well, it seems a bit sluggish
BG>and won't rev up very high---about 22mph was the very top end.
The 2 Cyl Evin/John 40/60hp models could very likely be installed on the
boat you have, using the "Tiller Steering" setup. The top RPM on the
1958 35hp Johnson is 4800rpm and this is what you're looking for. If the
engine is running properly, using a "Michigan AMC444" four blade prop,
you would have no problem in the ski department.
BG>also the latest on the old motor is that it's missing a chunk of the
BG>top cylinder just past the sleeve so it's days a very numbered.  My ace
BG>repair guy is going to try to epoxy it so that it might make it through
BG>the rest of the season (what's left of it).  The end of the season also
That does make things pretty bad, however (As long as the sleeve is
perfect), you could try repairing the aluminum casting with "Gray Marine
Tec". Having it "Heli Arced" is the proper route to go though.
BG>any ideas would help a ton--- I'm a real rookie---
All of us were rookies at one time.
Joe
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 þ SLMR 2.1a þ Well son, gambling is like...well, like buying insurance!
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