Reply To: Evinrude 28 HP SPL miscellaneous market and model questions

[David Stanton]

Thanks Frank and Crosbyman for the comments.   It never occurred to me that the S in the model number could mean “Sailboat”.   I’m thinking a sailboat motor would have different shaft length models, but maybe it was up to dealers or boat manufacturers to extend the shaft to 25 or 30 inches if needed?

It does not run faster in Reverse than any other of my dozens of old OMCs  up through 40 HP with shifts, so that doesn’t  point toward sailboats.   I suppose it’s possible that Smokercraft Boats had a huge order of them so they managed to get the reverse max speed modified for their order?….but no change to the model number?    I don’t know if OMC would do that.

Most fishing boats  like this one with pedestal seats, livewell, half deck with helm, etc.,  have more HP, but the 16′ boat, having  the trade name “Resorter” on it, was probably targeted at resorts where a lot of  guest fishermen (and women) without a lot of boating experience could be driving it and lower HP would be a safer option.  28 HP will also troll slower for fishing than a 40 or 50 if it is tuned right.

Dave