Re: 1952- 58 Johnson or Evinrude 15/18 best years?

[amuller]

I agree that the later motors with the fiberglass hoods are desirable mechanically. But they don’t have the aesthetics to go with a 1952 wooden boat. To my way of thinking the earlier ones are much more attractive for such a rig. So it is somewhat a question of priorities.

What is the first year to have thermostats? That would carry some weight with me.

The dual line pressure-tank setup can easily enough be replaced by a fuel pump. But again, the pressure tanks work and are period-correct for that boat.