Reply To: Should I buy a 3HP British Seagull Mark 1 Ignition

[Honorcode]

Thank you BillW. You saved me from wasting $800 on a Seagull. The canoe can support up to 5HP, and salt is a concern. Given your feedback, I bought a 1939 Johnson LT39. There is a lot of history with this motor. It sold new for $105 in 1939, and this is almost $2,000 in 2020 dolars, so it was a high-end engine for the elite class. It is entirely made of aluminum, its the first year that Johnson did an aluminum crankcase. And this cut the weight, and improved its corrosion resistance. Its a twin cylinder 5 HP, and does use a rope start. The seller has a receipt from a mechanic that shows that it was tuned -up and inspected for smooth operation. It is extremely well preserved, no dents. I plan to polish the aluminum, and run the motor. I love that it is a useable antique.

I would like to buy an ELTO PAL and a Neptune to serve as lighter options for the canoe. Do you have any advice about those? Are there other motors that I shoud consider? I would like to get a pre WWII motor. Thank you.