What makes a commercial motor…commercial?

[johnyrude200]

The title should say enough, but are there some beefier gearcase and powerhead components?

[fleetwin]

It all depends on the horsepower and year. But, yes, there were some beefier gearcase and powerhead components on some of the commercial models.

[Anonymous]

And a shorter warranty I would think.

[Mumbles]

Oddball horsepower ratings and being equipped with tillers was standard.

[dan-in-tn]

It depends on when (year you asked) as far as OMC was concerned. We are talking late model engines here (1980 and up). In the beginning there wasn’t much difference at all. Maybe a chrome water pump kit, styling (paint, decals). They would advertise SS hardware, but all of the motors had that. Later they added the next larger gearcase to the motors. Two cylinders would run a three cylinder gearcase. Three cylinders a four cylinder. V-6s a V-8. They added some fuel filters, etc! Not that much different really. Worldwide they would offer strange models to us. 22 1/2" length versions, 125hp electric start tiller steered loopers. A/C lighting. Of course jets in all kinds of HP. I’m sure I’m leaving some oddball stuff out, but all kinds of things got built over the years. You have probably seen Sea Drives, but has everybody seen a Quiet Rider and its application? Check out the military engine they throw out of an airplane. Sinks to the bottom of the ocean. They bring it up, purge the cylinders and start it, go. That is a throw away motor! Oh, I forgot the diesels and kero motors!

Dan in TN

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 8 months ago by Tubs.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by Tubs.

[cajuncook1]

We also have to keep in mind the POLR Evinrudes or was it the heavy duty light four that were used for WW2. Those came with surrounding handle about the motor for steering and came with a trunk with an extra lower unit(i think), tools, and parts to repair on the water or land.

Also the heavy duty Johnson and Evinrude 25hp motors that were made for the Korean wars.

Anyone have any digital pictures of those beauties that they could share?

[kevinrude]

quote Mumbles:

Oddball horsepower ratings and being equipped with tillers was standard.

Case in point, here’s my 1963 28HP Johnson:

[frankr]

As noted, depends on year. Often they were older models. Check out the 1982 line. 25 and 40 had the old split gearcases, (wings, even). The 40 was the old Big Twin series that was discontinued C1976. The 55 is a 3 cyl looper with manual shift and tiller—And clamp-on stern brackets!!!.

free upload image

[Mumbles]

Some odd horsepower ratings for OMC motors were 2.3, 3.3, 3.5, 6.5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 105 and 155. They made commercial motors right up to 200 HP in the late nineties.

I had a Belgium built 6.5 Evinrude Super Six once. The only difference between it and a domestic six besides decals was the AC lighting plug on the side. Everything else was the same.

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