Lurker surfacing!

[Superflid]

Good morning to all.
I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks as I've been forced into boating with my arm twisted up my back!

I used to be a keen climber and mountain walker but have been forced into a change of plans due to a large dose of arthritis. I've had a friend for about 20 years who has tried in vain to get me interested in boats (He has a Hurley 22 on the Orwell near Felixstowe). I've now given up the fight to stay on dry land!

Plans for my boat will probably be revealed slowly as I am doing it on a budget of around £0......

What I do need help with is identification of an outboard I've bought on Ebay.

This one! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2452287658&category=1294&rd=1

I'm pretty sure it's a Johnson of 60's or 70's vintage, but would appreciate some guidance. All seems to be well with it apart from the missing lid.

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[andyball]

Welcome....dunno about the o/b, but there's normally an engine number somewhere??? <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.obparts.com/years/johnson60.html>here</A> shows no's vs models.

What will you use for a cover? or for calm water will you do without?

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[Superflid]

Thanks Andy, but I can't find an engine No anywhere, there are plenty of part numbers on it!

If I can't find a cover I'll be getting the fibreglass out to make one. I've done a fair bit of glassing (old sidecar and caravan man) and I'm sure I could produce something serviceable.

Other clues to the outboard which might help are the controls on the front panel. There are high and low speed mixture levers which I assume are unusual for outboards. Can take some pics if it would help anyone.

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[david_bagshaw]

Mercury use to be white back in the 60's if that is any help.

Welcome to the fora & good luck

<hr width=100% size=1>David
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.euroboating.net>http://www.euroboating.net</A>

 

[VirgoVoyager]

Welcome, Ken and good luck with your boat hunting. A £0 budget sounds like my kind of money!

The outboard looks superficially similar to a Johnson machine of similar vintage which my neighbour owns. He has done a lot of work on his and has had to make use of my extensive collection of imperial spanners, taps, dies etc because there ain't a metric doodah on it anywhere! We have had some fun mending it, though, and it goes like stink now.......

Cheers

Stuart

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[supermalc]

Have you had the engine running? The one thing an engine needs to do on a boat is WORK.....trust me, I found out the hard way. Easiest way is to read my website http://geocities.com/malcsworld/

Even on rivers, having a boat adrift with a dead engine is far more frightening than rock climbing.

I also have a boating budget of £0, hence the reason I'm selling my Norman, and have got the fishing boat. People say having a boat is like a hole in the water to put your money in. Well my hole just has to stay empty.

Email for info, or a chat if you like.



<hr width=100% size=1>Malcolm. Just trying to be helpful.

 

[Superflid]

Thanks for all the welcomes and advice, I'll probably need plenty.

The boat I've been given is an old aluminium lifeboat, about 20 feet. The engine in it was an Enfield flat twin air cooled diesel, which turned out to be the noisiest engine I've ever heard (and I've stood behind a Lamborghini Diablo at take-off!!!!).

This had to go, so we are in the process of fitting a Ford Sierra (actually a Peugeot engine) 2.3 diesel. The outboard would be as back-up.

I've trawled (right place for that!) the web for outboard pics and the closest I've seen to mine is a 1957 25 hp Johnson. I know mine is newer than this, but it does share some obvious similarities (mainly controls).

Plans for the boat include extending the small cabin on it to around 2/3 of the boat, along with some modern instruments and fittings.

Thanks again, and maybe I'll be able to contribute with some help in time. I've had some very varied jobs along the way and can turn my hand to most things mechanical.

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[andyball]

If you've got individual part no's, it could be worth trying a search of the johnson spares sites, maybe use google with a site-specific search?

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[Superflid]

Malcolm, I was intending to drop you a line but can't find an email address. I sent you a PM, now my profile tells me I haven't sent one!!!

What with bikes, boats and bad backs in common I'm sure we could find something to chat about.

You can get me at superflid@hotmail.com

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[sailorman]

why not look in the local press or go to
seamark nunn or bob spalding & buy s/hand from them @ least it may have some history.
imho the johnson /. evenrude 4 hp of that era were not that good i had 2 of them . they are liable to blow head gaskets + over heat
see you on the Orwell then, good luck

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[Superflid]

Thanks Sailorman, you're probably right about buying with some history but I wanted some "toys" to play with so I can get used to working on outboards (still not sure which engine will end up as back-up - now have 3!!!). Have been offered a Honda 7.5 4-stroke of 1971 vintage for a fairly low price. All complete but having stood in the owners garage for some years. Would you think it would be worth a look?

Re the Orwell, should be down there later this week if the weather allows as Mac (with Hurley 22) wants to see if it's still there!

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[sailorman]

7.5 honda should be ok,perhaps the impellor like Homers beer "duff"

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[sailorman]

7.5 honda should be ok,perhaps the impellor like Homers beer "duff"

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[Superflid]

Still learning, but it seems that impeller and gearbox oil/grease is an annual job on most motors.
Will give it a look. Thanks again.

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