best older motors to look out for in the 35 - 70 range?

bcraigan · #1 02-10-2010, 12:54 PM

I'm looking for a motor for a 14' Mckee. What are the best older motors to look out for. Seems like there's quite a few around right now. I'm pursuing a deal on a 60 hp evinrude, but if it doesn't work out what do you guys suggest? What about a yamaha? Guy near here has a 40hp that seems to be in good shape. Thanks for any input. Craigan.

bcraigan · #2 02-10-2010, 01:13 PM

Oh, and also what do yall think about tiller models? Is 35 too low hp for a 14' mckee?

spareparts · #3 02-10-2010, 05:03 PM

40 -60 mercs from early to late 90's. Three cylinder 60-70 Johnrudes from around 82 up, especially if you can find one with the adjustable idle mixture screws on teh carbs. 40-50 Yamaha's(too expensive for me)

bradford · #4 02-11-2010, 03:14 PM

The 35 might work with the right prop, wouldn't be any speed demon though. McKee 14s are pretty heavy for their size. My Mckee currently has an old Suzuki 50 on it, but I have a Yamaha 40 off a donor boat for when the Suzuki gives up the ghost. I'd really like a Johnnyrude 60 though.

bcraigan · #5 02-11-2010, 03:57 PM

Cool.. Seems like there are a lot of motors out there right now. I'm hoping to go with at least a 50-60. Got any pics of your mckee? I'm getting ready to get into redoing this one and can't wait. These are sweet little boats...

THEFERMANATOR · #6 02-11-2010, 06:56 PM

I don't have much more to add since SPARE beat me to it pretty well. The 3 cylinder SUZUKI's are pretty powerful as well, but parts are harder to come by for them. The 3 cylinder 60-70 JOHNNYRUDE loopers are some of the best engines out there in that size range, and were pretty well perfected after such a long production run.