61 Evinrude 75hp Starflite

Suggestions, concerns, and what is the correct power plant for your Thompson.

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lmtgb
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:46 am
Location: Suffolk, Va

61 Evinrude 75hp Starflite

Post by lmtgb »

I need to know if a Evinrude 75hp Starflite weighing 220lbs is to much engine for my 15' Thompson Runabout? I'm thinking it might be a bit too big but I want to be sure before buying it.
LancerBoy
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Location: Minneapolis

Post by LancerBoy »

Who made the boat and at what location and what year is she?

The 1961 Thompson Bros. Boat Mfg. Co., Peshtigo, WI Sea Coaster has a centerline length of 15'-10" and is rated for up to 75 HP. The Sea Skiff at 13'-10" centerline length in 1961 is rated for up to 40 HP.

There is no model at 15'-0" centerline length.

Andreas
lmtgb
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:46 am
Location: Suffolk, Va

Post by lmtgb »

It is a Thompson Boat made in Cortland, NY. The small metal plate on the transom has a serial number of 54776, manufactured in Cortland, NY. I see no numbers burned into the transom. It has a 15' overall length and a 67" beam. The title says 1959 but the serial number seems to indicate 1954. Looking at pictures on this site I think it may be a Sea Coaster. I went to the "What do I have" page and sent an email with pics to TDockside@aol.com on 6/21, but did not receive a reply. Thanks for any help.
txcaptdan
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Post by txcaptdan »

I have had a 16' Cruisers Inc with a 75 Evinrude and it seemed a little heavy in the rear at rest, it was fast and it was a gas hog. I currently have another 16' with a 40 hp Johnson and I think I prefer it, it sips gas and runs about 25+. It is probably a little underpowered for 4 people but works great for 2. It all depends upon what you want to do with your boat. I think a 40 to 60hp is plenty for a 15'.
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Dan Stober
1965 20' Cruisers Inc. 570 Seacamper
1962 20' Cruisers Inc. 502
1963 16' Cruisers Inc. 202 Seafarer
Weatherford, Texas
John Hart
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Post by John Hart »

I agree with Dan.. My '60 Seacoaster is just under 16'... like 15' 6 or 10", I don't remember...

My 1961 75Hp Johnson runs nice, and you can cruise quite a while @ 25-28 on 6 gal. at partial throttle, but it is really heavy. Given the old transom, I would get a lighter motor, like a 40-60 as Dan suggested. I have a metal brace, and don't expect my engine to rip off the transom, nor would I want to switch now that everything is reworked and working great. But if I was w/o an engine, I would look at a lighter model.

John.
lmtgb
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:46 am
Location: Suffolk, Va

Post by lmtgb »

Dan and John thanks for the input. You confirmed what I was thinking and besides I won't be doing any major runs nor will I have a need for speed. My wife and I will primarily be cruising the two small rivers that border the peninsula I live on. I'll forgo the 61 Evinrude Starlite 70hp in excellent condition with controls and gas tanks for $450. I think I'll go with another motor I found. It's a 58 Evindrude Big Twin 35hp, for $400, which is in very good condition also.
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