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I just got my first Whaler, a 1970 Katama, and it has an Evinrude 80hp Selectric Shift on it that hasn't been run in god knows how long. Do you think it's worth it to try to get it running? I haven't done anything yet except buy it. I haven't done compression test. Is it possible this could be the original engine?
I would not spend any time or any money on fooling with that old Evinrude. Start shopping for something decent.
An Evinrude 80 with Selectric shift is actually older than 1970. It might be original old-stock or it might have been a cheapo replacement of the original motor.
I revived a Hydro-Electric Johnson 65 a few months ago. Was able to get it running with minimal investment, but I think I got lucky, and the parts for these lower units are extremely difficult to find if something goes bad. Add to that an ignition system that will cost $600 minimum to replace if it goes bad, and I think you have a strong case for looking for something fresher. I learned a lot working on that old 65, but I won't be going down that road again.
I have heard nothing but bad about those electric shifts that Johnson and Evinrude had. It was a new design at the time that was designed way to poorly and led to major problems. I would definitely search for something of newer vintage or at least that is a mechanical shift.
