Re: Best 40 horse for tiller

[David Stanton]

quote BwanaDon:

I keep tripping over electric shift models. Are they really that bad?

I’ve never seen a Big Four on CL. They are 50 hp? I may be 2-3 miles out on Lake St. Clair, I need 30 mph (min) and something that starts every time.

I’ll add Gale to the list. Thanks all.

The V-4’s weigh approx 100 pounds more than the 30-35-40 HP twins, coming in at around 250 pounds. The V-4s were 50 HP in 1958-59 and after that various HP models from 60 to over 100 HP were made. The 50s are arguably the biggest gas pigs ever made, but 60s and 75s used less due to a few refinements, notably a thinner/sleeker lower unit. If your boat is a very deep, wide boat, I’d go for a 60 V-4, but if your boat is not oversized, I’d go with a 35 or 40 like some others here recommended. Back in the 1950s -1960s, tillers were rare in the 30 and up Hp range, but they are out there, I have two 1957-58 35HP tillers in my collection. What ever you get, be sure to adjust tension into the steering so the motor doesn’t jerk into a turn if you lose your grip on the tiller or you will likely end up in the water with your boat going in circles – I’ve seen this happen three times. Do you need long or short shaft? V4’s in short shaft versions are fairly rare, but they are out there.
Dave