Wards Sea King WK10783

[Buccaneer]

I believe that this outboard may be one made by Thor,
as it has the "stamped" gear housings that are bolted
together. I seen some information suggesting that
it’s built sometime between 1936-38.
I’m not able to come up with any matches on
the WK10783 number on the transom mount.
What horse power would it be?
It’s missing the tiller handle. Any one have photos
of, or more information on this outboard?
Thanks!

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Prepare to be boarded!

[brian-grigsby]

The Thor brand was the precursor to the Mercury! From what I understand Montgomery Wards sent all of the Sea Kings that customers were having troubles with back to Thor for repair. Thor went out of business. Mr Kiekhaefer bought the Thor building (and contents) for non outboard reasons, and found the returned Sea Kings sitting there. To make some cash he did some modifications to the Sea Kings mixing valve carb, and got them working. He then sent them back to Wards. A short time later he received a call from Wards requesting more of those motors because they sold all of the repaired ones. That’s when Mercury was born. I have a Thor simmiliar to yours. I believe 2.4 hp. Lower unit on mine is a different shape. Here’s a video of mine. http://youtu.be/VVoUOwIdrCc

[Buccaneer]

Brian, neat little egg beater you have.
Jealous that yours says "Thor" on the
tank yet, and runs!
Will be a while before I can get at mine.
Do you remember what kind of ignition it had?
Thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!

[brian-grigsby]

Thanks. I can’t remember the ignition manufacturer. Defiantly unique motors. There were parts on fleabay awhile back. Someone parted one out. 🙄

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