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Thought I would share my re-power experience I have a 1964 modified sport that had a tired / low compression Johnson 30 hp long shaft on it. I call my boat modified because there are a few console and interior modifications but mostly because the transom is built up.

After some weight testing and a lot of comparing of different engines, I pulled the trigger on a new Suzuki 30. It weighs 158#s and I couldn't be more happy with the performance, noise level and economy. I am currently running the stock Suzuki aluminum 10 1/4" x 12" prop and with 5 gallons of fuel and one person I was able to hit 28 knots (just over 32 mph) trimmed up. Power tilt and trim are nice but mounting the engine high was key. No cavitation problems even in high speed turns.

I spent a lot of time worrying about the extra weight, but the boat sits fine and handles the extra weight, though I do have a 12 gallon fuel tank in front of the console. New steering and extreme control cables make the boat a pleasure to run. So far very happy with the Suzuki.

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You mention having had a long shaft on the boat. A 1964 would require a short shaft. Did you raise the transom to 20"?
The reason I ask is My first 13' I bought a 50 Merc long shaft and I had to raise the transom. The first ride I took I got halfway across the lake and looked back to see the back of the boat full of water. The fat part of the engine was splashing water over the transom. A small motor like my 2 stroke 9.8 Tohatsu long shaft works fine as the motor is very thin and stream lined.

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Hi Tom,

I mentioned in my original post that the boat is modified because the transom is raised. So yes, a 20 " motor is appropriate for this boat, but if it was in the original 1964 configuration it would require a 15" short shaft. I have not experienced the problem you mentioned with either the 20" 2 stroke Johnson or this Suzuki, but I am sure the key is mounting height. On both installs I have the AV plate level or slightly above the keel line. I bet on your 50 hp install if you took a straight edge from the AV plate, you would find that it was well below the keel line causing all the splashing.

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My boat was a 15" transom and I bought a 20" engine so 5" of the fat part of the engine was below the hull.

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Thanks for the data point, good to know for future reference.

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Hello Mike, nice setup! you mentioned mounting the engine high, can you elaborate on how high and how you did the mounting. thank you!
-Tom

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+1, I am likely to get this motor too and would like to know about your mounting experience.

Boat looks great, thanks for sharing.

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Just bought a 1964 model 13 ft. and am at the shopping point for repower. Has the original steering cables/pulleys and a 18 hp Evinrude.(grosly underpowered) Thank You for the information as I was concerned more about the weight factor and the need for a transom riser.


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