TOPIC: Is this the right outboard for my boat?

Hi I'm restoring a 61 custom craft sun ray. Im trying to keep her original. The prior owner had a 66 merc 1100 which came with the boat. Im wondering if i should swap it out? What would be the right period engine? The brochure on the site says her max capacity is 200hp. Thanks. Jim

There are Sun Ray people mightier than I on this site, but the age makes it obvious that it was not the original motor. However, it has probably had that motor for a while.

It really depends on how close to original you want the boat to be. If you want it all 1961, then buy a 1961 motor. If you want to be really exact, look at the 1961 brochure. A quick check showed a white Merc.

Personally, I would be scared in any Custom Craft (outside of perhaps a Flying Ray) with 200hp. I think the max 61 Merc with a transmission (non-Dockbuster) is 80 hp. That would do a pretty good job, I would think.

Or you could keep the existing motor (provided it works) and say it's part of the boat's history.

Most goes to personal taste. I own 4 outboards. One is a 5 hp Johnson in the 52 range, I have a 25 hp Johnson in 57 year, and a 57 Scott Atwater, but I use a 2003 8 hp 4 stroke Honda. My boat is fishing only. My boat is a 58 MFG that will take up to 30 hp.

I put a 61 Evinrude on my 60 Sea Ray but no one will ever know the difference

S.J. : You dont say if orig transom is SHORT size , or you are going to rebuilt higher to LONG.. The bigger / heavier 6 cyl can be a hand full if not upgraded to modern power tilt... Recently I got a few four cyl late 60's Merc 65 hp & 80 hp.. These would be non -points motors & would give a quick ride in that Custom Craft with
a good prop..

One thing to consider .. Back in those years the motors were supplied by the dealers. The boats, trailers, and motors were
all separate items the dealer was franchised to sell. Many dealers
would have a boat in their inventory for several years before it
might be rigged and sold. So a 61 model boat could very well have
been still "new" in 66 and rigged with a current motor and sold
for the first time as such.
Danny

And vice-versa. The original power on my '60 Thompson is a '58 Evinrude.

Thanks for your thoughts. Here are some pics of the boat and engine. The 1100 needs service but looks in really good shape. I'm leaning towards a Merc 58A as a replacement.

Another