Re: Chrysler outboards?

[jasonh]

The lineage of the motors goes like this, short version: Kissel brothers, a spin off of the Kissel automakers from early 1900’s started producing outboards in 30’s before WWII for Sears which sold as Waterwitch. In mid 40s, West Bend bought out Kissel and completed Waterwitch order. Soon after West Bend designed new motors and began selling as Elgins for Sears. This continued through 50’s until West Bend started to sell them under their own name. At some point in later 50’s Sears went to McCulloch and West Bend continued on their own until 1965 when Chrysler bought out the outboard division of West Bend. Chrysler ran from 65 to 80’s, sold to Us Marine boat builders becoming Force which quickly got bought up by Brunswick, the owners of Mercury. Force began making motors for Sears again under the Gamefisher name, mainly 9.9 and 15hp lowprofile motors you see into later 90’s also as Force. Force also had a full range of motors in various HP ratings. The fuel pumps on these Gamefisher (and similar Force motors) motors were the same back to the West Bend era as well as many of the water pumps.

I shied away from Chryslers until I picked up a 73 20hp. I find them to be of good quality but perhaps not as advanced technology wise as their competitors. I think their engineering philosophy must have been KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid (although not stupid) . My 20hp runs really smooth, has lots of power, and runs pretty quiet. I really enjoy running it. They are easy to work on and good quality SS fasteners and fittings always seems to loosen for me which cant always be said about others. I have also had some Gamefisher 9.9 and 15s. I was impressed at how well those ran as well. Great power and speed in a small package. I intend to find an early 70’s Chrysler version in good condition at some point. They are out there.