'Ted Williams' Outboards: Any opinions? Buy or Avoid?

[mpmurray]

There's a 5.5hp for sale on Craigslist for $175.

I'm wondering if these are reliable, smooth, etc?
I sail with my young children. I really need motor to be reliable.

Any feedback is appreciated!

michael

[Richard_Norman]

I sail with my young children. I really need motor to be reliable.

If it carries the Ted Williams name, it is at least 40 years old - I think I would look elsewhere. They weren't the best when new - rough, hard to start, cranky - that was mine.

Richard

[Catigale]

probably need to spend about 300-350 for a good reliable 5HP - doesnt need to be new, but a 200 USD type motor will have problems usually.

Ive put together 5HP seagulls at 200 USD plus my labour but have had parts in my shop to support this kind thing...and I enjoy it of course.

having your 10 year old young lady hold the piston rings while you slide the piston back into the 'Gull.....priceless...

[Craig LaForce]

I had a 3 hp Sears Gamefisher bought for $300 around 1984 I think it was. The Ted Williams name was the previous model name. Mine started easily and ran great. It was very very loud however. Don't recall if they were OK for salt water or not, but they were the cheap motor at the time. It was a 2 stroke motor and had a little metal shear pin on the prop to prevent damage.

www.iboats.com has lots of motor information on their site that you could look through to see info on this and other motors you might be considering.

[Catigale]

Ive got an old aircooled outboard made by one of the lawn mower companies, adapted for marine use. I took one look at it and knew I needed another motor. Still in my workshop - ill dump it on Craigs list this spring.

[tangentair]

lots of issues with dried out seals and hoses which are not compatable with 10% ethonal gas