The 65 is a 35hp 2 cylinder the 59 is 45hp 4cylinder. The old 4 and 6 cylinder Mercs sound so cool. It is rated for a 60 hp, I thought of taking a newer 2 stroke 60 hp motor and modifying the old motor cowl to fit, but decided to go with old stock period correct.
The prop pitch will also play a role in your performance. Though outboards are easy enough to swap out if you have probs though. If you try to retro fit (new in the old shell), the lower may give you grief...so make sure you give that some consideration. My neighbors boat was probably a bit heavier than yours, but I don't know the weight of his...I think we went with about a 40 hp (or so) Evinrude.
I have two props for the 59 a two blade speed and a 3 blade for pulling. The boat will go about 24 mph with a 35 hp motor and a 3 blade prop. It is a cool simple boat and way less work than a wood boat yet still has a classic look. I have painted the inside so far now just need a cabinet shop to cut the boards for the wood floor, and the seats and rewiring etc. Simple and fun and something I can let the kids take for the weekend without having to fret about damage.
The next up with my neighbor, is finishing his old Desoto...wiring harness is next on the list...the question for us is fab a new one or try to find a period correct one... Around my house it will probably be bathroom redo...
An old Peterborough. He and his brother did most of the rebuild, the interior, initial sanding, the below the waterline work and the first coat or two of varish/epoxy. I helped with some sanding, varnish/epoxying, some electrical, the motors, the trailer swap and rebuilds after that, drinking beer and the maiden voyage.
Have not worked on an old outboard, the one I have is supposedly rebuilt but I am sure there will be plenty of shake down. Only so much tuning and testing you can do with a barrel full of water.
Here is a picture of the motor solo, I am tempted to just polish it and put it on a motor stand and have it as a decoration. They do not build them like that anymore.
Well I got a little ahead of myself and decided to bite off more while I was still chewing. I could not pass up a deal on another 1959 Mercury. This one is a 60 HP Mark 75 6 cylinder, will max out the hp rating on the boat just incase I want to go fast. Amazing thing about the 1959 Mark 75, they did tests on the model with constant fueling the motor set world records for length of continous operation and distance traveled. Oh sure it is ugly now but once the electrical and fuel systems are redone a coat of paint and period correct mercury decals it will be impressive.
Just finished redoing the control box, painted the box the same color as the lower unit and interior of the boat and the lever is the same color as the top of the motor, holiday red. Found the mercontrol sticker on e-bay.
Dang Craigs list I may have found my next project and still have not finished the first. I think I have found an investment boat if there is such a thing.
It is all about finding something people want. Once you fix up an aluminum boat there is no maintenance like a wood boat. The old outboards from the 50's once restored are more reliable then new outboards. That being said all $ made from boat sales are going towards a wood boat.
No as long as you are educated as far as what it costs to fix or repair and have the tools and space you can get a deal. I have a shop and tools and it is fun hunting for parts etc. It's like you are always buying, restoring and selling like a ponzi scheme.
The two happiest days in a boat owners life..................................... the day he buys it and the day he sells it!
