Which version of Gale built motor?

[nabmd]

I have this small motor which was a roadside find in Snowmass, CO. Single cylinder, probably 2.5 or 3 HP (seems bigger than 1.5HP), cast aluminum 2 piece tank, separate fuel shut off under the tank, (not integral with the carb), pressed steel carry handle (not cast aluminum), silver/aluminum paint without any recognizable decal, ID plate missing from front of transom clamp. The only stamped number on it is on the freeze plug on front of crankcase, behind carb, 0067217.

[Buccaneer]

Compare it to photos of Sea Bee, or whatever Hiawatha’s model was named.

Prepare to be boarded!

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nabmd

[JOSEPH BRINCAT]

Yes, I think Sea Bee or Hiawatha as Bucc said…  Look for any remnants of paint. The color will give a hint of the branding.

Looks like a nice motor, congrats

Joe B

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nabmd

[nabmd]

I’ve tried to find good pictures, but haven’t had much success. I’m leaning toward Hiawatha due to the mag lever handle being steel, not cast aluminum. Paint is as noted, uniform throughout. Does is look like a ’41-42 motor, or a ’45, ’46, ’47, ’48? Anyone have any pictures? Does the serial number help date it?

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Tubs

[labrador-guy]

nabmd, when you pull the covers off look for numbers on a soft plug.  That might help with the year.

dale

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nabmd

[nabmd]

The only number that was stamped was on the front of the crankcase freeze plug, 0067217. All the other numbers were cast into parts as casting numbers. I’m thinking it is a Hiawatha 25-3258, 3 HP, ’45-46, Gale model #131. There was a side picture of that model in a 2021 post here, but the photo doesn’t show up when I search on my computer, but it does when I search on my phone!??? Unfortunately, the front tag is not visible.

[Phil Budne]

Here’s a photo that’s supposed to be a 1949 Hiawatha.  Very close, but not identical to yours:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/49-hiawatha-5hp–822399581927125629/

(more lines on the cowl, and lines on throttle lever).

Here’s a Sea Bee running:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2WmgeyOHyA

And some photos (of a later, reversible?):

https://www.aomci.org/forums/topic/goodyear-sea-bee-2/

 

http://www.omc-boats.org
http://www.aerocraft-boats.org

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nabmd

[Phil Budne]

Drat, looks like the pinterest link doesn’t work.  Downloaded the image and trying attaching it:

http://www.omc-boats.org
http://www.aerocraft-boats.org

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nabmd

[nabmd]

Most of the motors I find pictures of have a recoil on them. Mine has the carb instructions for Lean-Rich stamped into the front of the lower cowls, and no decal.

[Phil Budne]

Regarding rewind, sorry, I spaced out and searched for 5hps (tho Gale had the habit of making both “Standard” and “Deluxe” models, thru the years.  In the 50’s they could be significantly different (different powerhead)).

Here’s a FB post with a 1947 Hiawatha 3hp (at a Museum in Galesburg!), which looks very much like yours:

https://www.facebook.com/GalesburgHistoricalSociety/posts/pfbid02pkrh322xUEWckqnd9gsPGL3F6PxdwZ2957U9oKxp1b1Lj5BMpmvQLJPGyd985RiFl

http://www.omc-boats.org
http://www.aerocraft-boats.org

[Author]

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