Evinrude (1914 Model B?) Row Boat Motor

[AusAnzani]

I am now waiting on delivery of a Evinrude 1914 Model B? Row Boat Motor, advertised on Gumtree Australia some months ago.

The advert expired however I remained in contact with the seller whilst continuing to research with the assistance of Boyd who's knowledge of RBM's has been of great assistance in this particular case. (Thank you Boyd!)

What has caused confusion in this case is the fact that this RBM has had some upgrades as well as some homegrown mods over the years. Whilst these have made it difficult to fully understand and appreciate exactly what it is, that uncertainty helped a long way to negotiating a buy price of less than 1/6th of the original asking.

We are calling it a 1914 Model B for the moment because that’s what the brass plate affixed to the upper side of the fuel tank says. But we know that tank is not original to this RBM, and is of a newer design. This RBM has a Model A reversing leg which implies it will be earlier than 1914. It also has a rope? start upgrade to simplify starting, although I must say I prefer the original and standard knuckle buster arrangement. The home grown mods (magneto atop barrel, exhaust manifold and muffler) will be removed on arrival and be replaced with original parts sourced from the USA. Also need a forward/reverse tiller and if I can stumble across a nice Model A fuel tank, then I will pursue that also.

First 3 pics are as advertised. Remaining pics were taken and supplied more recently to assist with ID.















This is my first outboard over 100 years old and therefore a nice addition to the collection.

Anyone with any info on early Evinrude RBM's, please don’t hesitate to share.

Thanks & Regards,
S

[AusOB_Collector]

Spiro

Thanks your praise, not really needed as its always good helping someone out with outboards.

Model A reversing gearfoot is 1914-onwards as I think I mentioned, maybe you misinterpreted that.
You going to try and see if it runs as is first?

Cheers
BP

[Oyster 49]

Fascinating project. Lucky in some ways because the scene around these motors in the US will help you understand the history and source replacement parts. I don't think there is much happening in the UK around these old beauties. What was the original means of generating a spark?

[headdownarseup]

WOW an almost correct antique "knuckle knocker" without the knocked nuckles to boot.

Shhh, i shouldn't say this, but i have a very big hanckering for one of these.
Watching this with interest now

Plenty of pics please Spiro



Jon

[AusOB_Collector]

What was the original means of generating a spark?

Originally there was a buzz box and external battery to power the motor, after 1915 you had the option of having a flywheel magneto but still an external battery.

No more hi-jacking from me S!

Cheers
BP

[AusAnzani]

Spiro

Thanks your praise, not really needed as its always good helping someone out with outboards.

Model A reversing gearfoot is 1914-onwards as I think I mentioned, maybe you misinterpreted that.
You going to try and see if it runs as is first?

Cheers
BP

Thanks Boyd. Once it arrives and is stripped of all the non-original equipment I will photograph and post on AOMCI. I am now a member, just need to sort a few more details before I can post on their forums

As for starting to see if it runs first, the short answer is absolutely not. I have been around engines long enough to know that’s the best way to turn a potentially good engine in to a worthless pile junk.

As mentioned earlier, Brass Plate affixed to tank states Model B – 22176. According to this site http://classic-engines.com/engines-2/evinrude/, year of manufacture is 1914. Not that it’s important because we believe the tank to not be original, but at least you now know where the model year info on the blue boards came from.

Regards,
S

[AusAnzani]

Fascinating project. Lucky in some ways because the scene around these motors in the US will help you understand the history and source replacement parts. I don't think there is much happening in the UK around these old beauties. What was the original means of generating a spark?

According to Hunns Old Outboard Book, development of the flywheel magneto commenced in 1912 and was used in production outboards (Evinrude) from 1914. Prior to that, I’m not sure how the spark was generated ie particularly as photos of earlier outboards don’t show an external magneto. External battery and buzz coil are a possibility, however I have not yet found any solid references to that form of technology being used back in the day.

Regards,
S

[AusAnzani]

WOW an almost correct antique "knuckle knocker" without the knocked nuckles to boot.

Shhh, i shouldn't say this, but i have a very big hanckering for one of these.
Watching this with interest now

Plenty of pics please Spiro

Jon

No problem Jon, will post plenty of photos as well as any info that turns up from other sites.

Regards,
S

[AusAnzani]

Originally there was a buzz box and external battery to power the motor, after 1915 you had the option of having a flywheel magneto but still an external battery.

No more hi-jacking from me S!

Cheers
BP

Al input is good input Boyd, so not a problem.

Just on the external battery and buzz coil, is there any hard evidence to support that. As stated above, I've not yet found any myself.

Regards,
S

[AusAnzani]

Al input is good input Boyd, so not a problem.

Just on the external battery and buzz coil, is there any hard evidence to support that. As stated above, I've not yet found any myself.

Regards,
S

Boyd, researching a little further, confirmation of earlier RBM's having battery ignition, release year of flywheel ignition and many other interesting facts in this document http://www.pfs-ware.com/rbmj/pdf/RBMJ_V3_I1.pdf

Also further to my above comments re your question of starting fist, it may be beneficial for you to visit here http://www.pfs-ware.com/rbmj/, download Volume 1, Issues 1 & 2 and read the sections "What Should One Do with A Newly Acquired Motor?". Great information, and well worth noting.

Regards,
S

[Oyster 49]

Interesting news letter there. Interesting to note what a strong vintage outboard club scene there is in the US in particular.

[headdownarseup]

Hmmm, i was thinking the same. Big following for a lot of old iron over there, and not just outboards either.

Jon

[AusAnzani]

The size of population there helps no doubt, but I also think Americans are far better at recording and preserving their history (all forms) than people in many other nations.

The fact that parts (albeit used) and quality information for 100 year old plus outboards are readily available may also give some clues as to why there are so many more collectors/restorers there who are prepared to have a go.

The Evinrude is leaving Tasmania today With any luck it will arrive tomorrow or Monday of next week latest.

In the meantime, I've been doing much research and have noted the factory changes made by year from 1909 to 1915 thus far, however there are still some questions to be answered. I can't wait to receive it and have the model/year etc confirmed.

Access to the 'Inner Sanctum' of the AOMCI and some of its members who specialise in Detachable Row Boat Motors will help a long way. Working through the membership formalities is taking a little longer than expected.

Regards,
S

[AusAnzani]

It has arrived, in good condition and smelling of fish oil which is a good thing.

Will get some photos up over the weekend.

[Oyster 49]

This is also my area of interest going forward, I have several 1930s engines, and would like to move into the 20s and even earlier as and when something can be found I nearly bough an evinrude last year, but it was incomplete, and somewhat butchered.

I have often wondered if an outboard club like the AOMCI would take off in the UK, I was looking at the Marston Sunbeam motorbike club website the other day, they have a really good set up.