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Guys I run a 1958 Mercury 48 Hp Kiekhaefer outboard on my 1963 13ft whaler. This motor still runs great. I think this is the original motor. It is not a speed demon by any means. I hunt a lot and will be using it in the winter. I am thinking about getting a spare motor that I can keep around to repower my whaler when this one kicks the bucket. How are the 70's era outboards compared to these? I have heard people say a 25hp would as good performance wise as my old motor.
A 70's outboard is still a 40 year old motor. I wouldn't have high expectations of it. Growing up, my family had some 1960's OMC's. They were pretty loud compare to the 70/80 motors of the time. I think my 1989 Evinrude is loud so I guess it relative. The hp rating change from crank shaft to propeller in the mid 90's. unless your motor is really worn and the newer 25 is in pristine tunning condition. wouldn't expect a 25hp motor to be as fast as a 48hp. Have you thought about buying a motor from the 90's?
The best vintage: 1980's - 1990's, especially Johnson / Evinrude. The best is a Durajet model, saves lives with prop protection. I have a Johnson 35 HP durajet on a 1987 Whaler 13. Goes 29 mph, much more torque than normal prop, and the jet sounds and looks great. Older outboards don't offer the Durajet / pump jet option.
