Found an old outboard

[The Garbone]

My wifes grandfather lived in his home from the 40s when he built it until he passed away couple of years ago at the age of 98. I loved the man an miss him greatly.

Cleaning out the garage behind his house a few weeks ago we came across an old outboard. It is a 1939-41 Evinrude 5hp and a spare prop.

I am wondering what to do with it. It appears the handle broke off and this caused its retirement to the rear of the garage. Should get it running and keep it for a tender motor or would it be worth selling? I have no idea if there is even a market for old motors like this, I imagine parts are hard to find.

[delmarrey]

Yeah! There's a big social group out there that collects them. Just google antique outboards.

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[Nicholson58]

Sell it or whatever. Clean it up & make a table of it (glass top). You can polish it and find replacement art for the decals. There are serious collectors for these things.

You cannot afford to have an unrelaible motor for your tender. I had several old 1950's vintage outpoards; green Keikhaufer Mercuries, Chriss Craft 5 etc. I spent way too much time trying to find parts and keep these running. I was marooned deep in swamps while duck hunting. They puked oil and stunk. They drip/empty their carburators whenever you put the motor away, leaving a drooly mess everywhere. (including sheen on the water)

I finally sold all of mine in fine condition with parts for abut 500 each and bought a nice 15 HP 4-stroke with electric start.

Research a few sites and find a buyer or a project.

The Antique Outboard Motor Club Website - AOMCI.org
The REDNECK RIVIERA, Antique Outboard Motor Club Unofficial Website!
Yankee Chapter Antique Outboard Motor Club home page - Evinrude, Johnson, Elto, Caille, Bendix, Lockwood, Koban, Thor, Mercury, Wizard, Waterwich, Sea King, Scott Atwater, Scott, Firestone, Elgin, West Bend, Waterwich, Motorgo, Motorow, British Seagu

Antique Engine Jamboree 2011 - Antique Outboard Motor Club - YouTube

1936 WATERWITCH ART DECO ANTIQUE OUTBOARD MOTOR MB10 | eBay+

Marine Folk Art Vintage Outboard Motor Display Ready

Elberta marina displays vintage outboard motors (video, photos) | al.com

[SkiprJohn]

I found a 1955 Gale 5hp at a yard sale and spent about $120 on parts over the course of 3 years to keep it running. In running condition the old ones are worth about $150 to $200 depending on condition.

I've also maintained old British Seagulls over the years and would not do it again except for a hobby.

If it has sentimental value then keep it. If not, you may be able to get $100 for it tops.

It'll probably need coils or a coil, an impeller and a lot of cleanup if not full carb kit.

Good luck on your decision.

kind regards,

[SkiprJohn]

My "The Old Outboard Book" by Peter Hunn says its a 1940 Lightwin 5.0 hp. Serial numbers go from 03001 to 04000 in that year. Yours is 03730.

If you need another hobby it might be fun to restore.

kind regards,