posted 04-27-2013 10:47 PM ET (US)        

I bought this all original Nauset last year and it's been sitting in the warehouse, under its original cover, sitting on its original trailer, waiting to be splashed for the first time since the Reagan Administration. The original 55 Triumph is a terrific motor but I want something newer, enough power to ski, and I want PT&T. I also want the nostalgic look of an original boat, which this is. Options as I see them;

1) Find a 90s OMC 70/75hp looper and paint it original with the 55 Triumph cowl. This is a no-brainer as it's a great engine for a 16', period correct, good power, proven reliability, economical, and parts are cheap and accessible. But when is the last time you saw a good one at a reasonable price? Yes, they're out there, but the ones in S. Florida are beat to death. I've been looking for 6 months now.

2) Find a mid 80s inline Mercury, either 4 or 6 cylinder and add paint and decals to be period correct. This is a great choice as they're VERY powerful, very cool, have a great following for parts and knowledge. I've been in contact with Mercrestor and classicmercuryoutboards, but I'm having trouble finding a good core. If I find a good one, they're $2500 or more now, and I still have to ship it in both directions and spend $3500 for restoration.

3) Here's the wildcard. What classic outboard does the 90 E-tec remind you of? It's a mid-sized inline painted white. The cowl is squared off with slab sides, a convex front with a vertical crease up the centerline and an eyebrow, and a sculpted back. Paint the eyebrow red and add cross flags on the front, paint the midsection covers Homelite teal, and custom paint red and white emblems on both sides to say," Evinrude Bearcat 90" in the original script and format. This option intrigues me..

Does anyone know of a mint 3 cyl. looper or 80s inline Mercury?

Would the Evinrude Bearcat bring a smile to your face if you saw it? Remember, it's just paint and decals and can be switched back.

Chris

posted 05-06-2013 01:44 PM ET (US)         

But if you must do it, consider the Tohatsu TLDI 90. It is less "zooty" looking than the Evinrude and and has a more traditional cowl that looks more like the old Bearcat, performs just as well and with the Optimax/Orbital technology, probably gets better fuel economy. May cost less too.

posted 05-06-2013 09:16 PM ET (US)            

As far as the Bearcat/etec, please don't misunderstand my objective. I'm not trying to fool anyone. When I look at the etec 90, I see a Y2K Bearcat.. always have. Look at Metan's latest Sakonnet with the etec on it. It looks like my Dad's Sakonnet back in '69 including the shape of the motor, or at least that's what I see. No doubt, when you look back, a tower on that boat best fits your memories. According to Dave, this girl Janis at Magicbrush can take the red and white cowl stickers and substitute 'Fisher-Pierce' with 'Evinrude' and 55 with 90. Again, not trying to trick anyone, just trying for a double take and a smile from the Boston Whaler fanatics(meaning you guys and me).

Anyway, I remain open and will consider all possibilities, and thanks for the feedback.

posted 05-08-2013 12:40 PM ET (US)            

quote:

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Also noise and reliability of an older motor.

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I have a "quiet" modern four stroke and several "loud" old two-strokes all of more or less the same power class. And there isn't a dime's difference in volume at cruise... Only at idle.

A little cornfused about the reliability comment. Are you saying that older motors are less reliable because they are more prone to a sudden catastrophic failure? Or that even when running right, 80's and 90's motors are simply of inferior design and more prone to failure even when properly maintained?

posted 05-11-2013 03:25 AM ET (US)            

Here was my "sweetheart". My first ever boat, when I started boating in summer 2008:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hClSEKA53x0/Sc8Bn2V1DEI/AAAAAAAABCw/ WD4VhFoCLXU/w640-h480-no/CIMG1539.JPG

13'6". I only sold her so I could get a classic 13 Whaler. I'm so proud of her and her "new" owner, (sold over two years ago), you can't imagine. He's a young Border Patrol agent in San Diego and a SUPER hardcore fisherman, and a great guy. We stay in touch. He takes that 1959 motor out in the ocean, in the dark, hoop netting for lobster and stays out all night. THAT takes some serious faith in your motor.

posted 06-26-2013 08:32 PM ET (US)            

Where did you get the teal paint for the mid section?

posted 06-27-2013 04:04 PM ET (US)         

It sits on an old fiberglass boat that is a piece of junk, but the engine is a 1966 950SS (95HP) 90 cubic inch in-line 6, complete with the handle on the top cowling (last used in 1967). By ancient hour meter, it has only 212 hrs on it, has not been used in 13 years, and before that, barely used. It is fogged, and with the plugs out, turns over easily by hand using the flywheel. The engine is beautiful and looks like it's about 3 years old, super clean inside, intact decals and shiny black exterior. The engine pre-dates Mercury's power trim invention.

Although I have no blue interior Whaler to put it on, I think I am going to buy it, as the seller has no clue as to what it's worth. It kind of looks like this, although the wrap cowl and front faceplate are different.

http://classicmercuryoutboards.com/home

posted 06-28-2013 08:03 PM ET (US)            

The reason I ask is I have probably the lamest 70hp Merc ever made on a 16', a 1983 which in the next year became the 50/60. Hey, I can't complain, it weighs 190, runs like a top and zips right along.

I live in the NE so don't worry about me stealing your deal, but there is no replacement for displacement. To make matters worse I'm only gonna repower with a tower of power.

posted 06-29-2013 08:56 AM ET (US)            

The blue paint changed between ownership from Homelite and Bearcat.

If you want the Bearcat Blue - it is GM code 22 Light Sapphire Blue (General motors paint code)...any good autobody shop can supply it.

The white on both engines is GM code 16 - bright white.

You will want to use a good clear coat for the finish, as well as the appropriate primer for the material you're working with - i.e. plastic parts may require a different primer for best adhesion.

I ended up hand-painting the crossed flag emblem on my motor since it was intact, but just faded. Let me tell you, it takes a good masking job and a very steady hand with a small brush to make that work...

posted 07-01-2013 08:10 AM ET (US)            

Once Janis develops the red decals, I'll match the red as you did.

Thanks again.