TOPIC: Outboard Choices

Hi All!
I have a quick question?
I have to choose a motor for my Bellboy Banshee (1959) restoration project from the folowing options, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Option 1
1961 Evinrude Lark 111 straight twin cyl 40HP short shaft

Option 2
1967? Evinrude 60HP V4 cyl Short Shaft

And thought out check out what you guys thoughts and reasons for choosing??
Matt

Matt, the Lark would obviously be more "period correct" if you're going for the most accurate restoration, but I gotta tell ya: I Love the OMC V4's torque and smooth power! Which is in better shape? (Compression, lower unit, appearance, completeness, controls, etc..)

Thanks Mark,
Looking at both they are both in great shape, have good compression and complete,

the V4 has the lower leg off but comes with two spare motors, it also has a 1960 Starflite 75HP cover set up with all badges on it to make it look more "period Correct" but has no controls

the Lark has a set of forward controls (actually it has a set of Simplex controls to run twin motors) and runs really well, has prop etc and all the original badges etc it is on a boat and is complete but I have no back up parts

I was wondering about the weight of the motor, and if there was a large difference? the Lark is very compact the Starflite looks very large?
Matt

The Lark If I remember right is about 140lbs and and the V4 225lbs. If that helps

PLUS the extra fuel you'd have to carry for the V4, they do get kinda thirsty! The weight may be more of a factor than I originally anticipated, thanks for filling us in there Mike!

HA HA! I had a V4 years ago, and that baby never could pass a gas pump it didn't want to fill up at! It sure was a great motor though, fast, lots of torque, wish I still had the fool thing.

Frank

Thanks for the great info! will have both motors here next weekend so will check them out, the difference in weight is interesting,the size difference is pretty major LOL
Originally the Banshee was rated at up to 70HP (from the library information) but it does not mention any weight restriction. I have to re do the transom so I suppose I could beef it up to handle the extra weight if the V4 is a better option, but it looks like I may need to drag a fuel bowser along for the ride.

Matt

59banshee,

i'm considered somewhat of a "restoration nut" by some here BUT in this case i woulod say NEITHER.

the V-4 imVho, is too much motor & too much weight on the transom
and
the 1961 BIG TWIN is one of the two years BTs (1960 and 1961) that i would prefer NOT to have as a powerplant.

as yours is a 1959 hull, why not find & use a 1959 OMC of Evinrude, Gale or Johnson brandname?

otoh, IF "period correctness" os NOT important, i would look for a 1962 or later OMC 40HP Big Twin in good shape, as they are TOUGH.
(i ran a 1962 GALE 40 SOVEREIGN for about 2 DECADES!)

yours, satx