Old tiller handle 40hp recommendations

[SaltH2OHokie]

I'm hoping to go tomorrow after work to pick up an old 17' harkers island built skiff in need of some love, to use as my run-around-the-creek boat because none my other choices work really well for that. As such, I'm also in the market for the cheapest 40 (or 50) horse outboard I can find.  I'd prefer tiller steer, but if I found a smoking deal on a remote setup, i'd likely build a simple side console/helm box and move on.

My question is, are there any brands/vintages to stay away from? Any particular motor to look for in the "shoestring" price bracket? Only tiller steer option on my local craigslist is a johnson that is of unknown year, but from internet picture comparisons, I think is a late 70s model, for $400.

I'm not looking for anything special...i can walk to shore most places I'll use this boat.

[pigbike]

I checked around here in the Tampa area and didn't find anything. A good running 40 hp for 400.00 is probably decent providing nothing is wrong with it.

[fitz73222]

You're going to have a fun time finding a vintage tiller steer 40. What transom height do you need 15" or 20"? The classic 40 tiller steer would be a 1969-1976 Evinrude or Johnson twin cylinder 40. The basic design was born in 1957 as a 35 hp  and evolved through the 60's and somewhat modernized in '69 as an absolute workhorse outboard. This is the engine that brought outboarding to the American family. It could pull a skier on a 15 ft runabout, have enough torque to plane 4 people and clip along at 25 mph. They were thirsty but just a bulldog and very simple to work on. Shear pin drive, basic magneto; an engine you could take to the amazon and run on just about any fuel that could fire up a lantern. I'm sure there is a bunch of them still out there and some tiller versions are still around. Go find a freshwater one in the middle of the country, pay $500 for it, rebuild the mag, waterpump and carb for $250 and enjoy a piece of Americana that you could give to your grandchildren. There are others; but I grew up with these engines and they were unbelievably reliable...

[SaltH2OHokie]

I think I need a short shaft, but honestly don't know.  According to my wife: I'm not allowed to buy the boat (I'm going to buy it anyway) and if I buy the boat, I darn sure can't buy a motor (and I'm probably going to heed that advice until I sell some tractor implements I have for sale).  In other words, I've got some time to hunt for a motor.

Good thought to hunt for a freshwater engine...I don't mind a road trip.  

Anybody need a box blade? Bush hog? Rear blade?  How about an old Massey Ferguson?  

[SaltH2OHokie]

Found a 1975 40hp Johnson but its remote steer...might be able to trade for an old Penn International 30 I have, even up...waiting to hear back after sending the fella pictures of my reel.

Is converting to tiller steer an option?

[fitz73222]

Yes, I may actually know where the parts are...

[gran398]

"According to my wife" I will never own another boat.

But she's not big on the Aquanet.

Perfect.

 

[seabob4]

"According to my wife" I will never own another boat.

But she's not big on the Aquanet.

Perfect.

 

Until you bring the next one home.  And then she'll say the same thing.

And so on, and so on...

[gran398]

She's never seen any of them.

I may be crazy.. but not stupid.

As best I know

Back to the thread

 

[SaltH2OHokie]

Boats and motorcycles are equally sore subjects in my household.

Last weekend a friend's wife asked "how many motorcycles does Ryan have?"

My wife and I answered simultaneously; I said 5, she said 3...then immediately glared at me and gave me an " oh really? "  Its great having friends with extra garage space, until you tell on yourself.

Boats are the same. I'm hoping to someday add trucks and guns to this infamous list, but not yet...

[gran398]

 

One tip from and old guy...just don't add "wimmen" to that list  

[SaltH2OHokie]

Yes, I may actually know where the parts are...

Is it an expensive proposition? I've got feelers out on two motors, one tiller, one remote...knowing the cost to convert might affect my choice/offer.