|
Welcome,
Guest
|
TOPIC: Best outboard for 1960 G3
Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53946
|
New G3 owner here, just acquired a basket case 1960 G3 and I have a few questions. It needs all the wood replaced and I think I'm going to raise the transom to accommodate long shaft outboards unless there is a good reason not to.
I have a 1973 mercury 115 and an evinrude 70, 1975. Which of these 2 motors would you use on the G3 and why? Both have power tilt/trim. I would also love to see some members raised transoms to get an idea of how to make it flow into the rest of the stern of the boat. As a side note, I'm going to separate the top deck and noticed the original rub rail was wood wrapped in vinyl printed with a wood grain look. Firs time I've ever seen a wood rub rail insert on a runabout. Is there an insert that will fit the original rub rail? |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53964
|
Mr 60 : HELLO , WELCOME , CONGRATS.. I am sort of Mr 59 here in east Tenn. got the same cond 2 months ago.. This would be my 3rd centerdeck..A lot of your decision should hinge around if the original SPLASHWELL is still with the boat.. If you got the ALuminum trim for the rear transom & corners. I would stay with the 16" SHORT transom , & hopefully the 70 hp is short or can find a short lower.?? ...Guys do have 6 cyl on this model , BUT it adds a lot of weight, adds to the porpuse ride effect till it is eventually balanced (Dialed in , etc) I would not encourage you to sell either motor , & there is a Mid Atlantic Glasspar club chapter out of Chicago if you are interested.. Did you get a windshield & side Medialions / Logo starburst with rig.??
No the wood rub rail is not original..WEFCO. or Webco here as a advertiser can get New rubber... Take off the rear trim & try to pull / slide backwards away from boat... Rivits can be drilled off at the heads,, round PUNCH & hammer the small stud into the floor area. Sweep up later. .................. 
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53978
|
Thanks for the welcome, this seems to be a very helpful bunch. Yes, the boat did have the transom trim pieces, but the left outer corner was cracked. No windshield, medallions are there on both sides. Splashwell is there, transom is so rotten, I think you could grow corn in it! I just separated the top deck from the hull today, not a bad job.
I was asking about power because those are the 2 motors I have right now, but both are long shaft. It would certainly be the least expensive option for me to just raise the transom, but part of me does want to keep it as original as possible. The 115 Merc is only about 60lbs heavier than the 70 evinrude, but porposingeverywhere I go isn't very fun. Just not sure at this point as I've never even seen one of these boats in the water. Have you seen one with a raised transom? How do they look? |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53979
|
.."60".: I have owned TWO with the raised transom.. Here are some PICs for you . Orange was last March at boat show in Mt Dora, Fla.
This is a Gridley , Ill, special G-3 console mod , etc , LONG MERC, .......... 
. We had a small Glasspar rally last summer here in Chattanooga , Tenn ..These TWO G-3 had 50 hp on & at anchor , water level up to sponson ..! You can read down thru this forum for more pics in water. . 
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53982
|
Wow, that looks like a newer 50 Merc, how much does it weigh? Maybe the 70hp evinrude is too heavy? Do these boats take on water over the transom if you throttle back quickly? I wonder if there is an "ideal" outboard for these boats? What did they usually come with new? Mine has a quicksilver cast aluminum steering wheel, so I'm guessing it had Merc power. Thanks for the Picts, they sure are beautiful boats!
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53989
|
I'll put my two cents worth of wisdom in here. A G-3 was built for (suggested to handle) a 60hp
motor. Later they were rated for a 65hp motor. Remember in those days OMC (Johnson/Evinrude) only made up to 75HP. and Mercury's top was 80 hp. and they did not weigh much more than 200 pounds. A G-3 with a 35hp motor is a nice little package. I however like the 70-80hp power range for these boats. In this power range you can set the boat up for speed and get to about 50mph, and it's fun to drive. You can also set up the boat to pull skiers and 70-80hp will do the job nicely. Much more power than 85hp you start to get into something that a G-3 was not designed for. If I were rebuilding another G-3. I would build the transom to handle the 20" long shaft motors. I don't know of any manufacturer today who is making 15" motors today in the horse power range I would use. (Mercury may make a 4 cycle 75hp 15" racing motor but I'll bet those are hard to buy.) By building the transom for the 20" motors you have more motor choices. It is not hard to redesign a transom so that all the original hardware and motor well stay in place. That way you keep close to the original look. You just have to be willing to be creative and know how to use fiberglass. Keep us posted on your progress. 
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53990
|
Find the pictures of the International Rally! Somewhere in the archives.
G3's tend to sit low in the back with any motor. slowing down is done easily not abruptly. All high Performance water craft have that tendency. Motors have been attached from 35hp to 150hp. All ages and Manufactureserss. BIG HP Thrilling, scary and good for short rides. Originally placarded for 60 hp. Porposing is not caused by weight or HP it is a function of the bottom shape. the bottom should be flat at the transom.(check with a 6ft straight edge. If it is concave the bow willride low at speed casues and if it is convex the boat will try to porpose easily.) To go fast with best handling the motor trim will carry the bow well out of the water. With the bow a little low you can feel the boat accelerate in1 to 6 inch wind waves. the hull is flying with less in the water. So there is no optimum motor. Run what you brung. Howard Haynes 1960 G3 62 Merc 700 owned since 1972 whle system Original since 1962 |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53991
|
Hey look.....another Hoosier!
I know where a short white merc 850 is stashed, a 75 McCulloch, a short merc 1000, etc. 
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53992
|
John C, your boat looks absolutely beautiful! I really appreciate all the input/ help, I'm thinking the evinrude is what I'll be using after seeing your boat. My 70 is basically the same thing, with a long shaft.
I'm new to fiberglass work, but I'm looking forward to the new experience. Again, thanks for the help, I'm sure I'll have more questions as the project moves forward. I wonder how many closed decks are still around? Is there a registry or something? |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53995
|
Wow, Pony, where are you located? Close to Aurora In.? I'd love to see your boat, I like the look of your transom. Did you use marine plywood or some synthetic like coosa? Would be great to talk to you if you are close. No navigation lights? My boat looks like it never had them either, I thought it was unusual, mabe not?
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #53999
|
Welcome to the G-3 World!! Best and nicest boat ever built! I raced one from 1960 to 1974 with a 75 Johnson, and now 7 years ago I bought another 1960 center deck and I now have a Merc 1000 (100 hp) on it.
We have the Florida Glasspar Club with many Gl'asspar G-3 owners who have restored their G3's. Here is a pic of mine and pics of our G=3 Rally we had here in Florida a while back!! 
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Jim Savage
|
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54003
|
Welcome '60',
You will find a massive amount of information in the old forum: forums.fiberglassics.com/g3/ which is not active anymore but kindly kept alive so we can access it. Exploring this you will find many photographs of raised transoms (with variations on style) and some good tips on replacing the wood and raising it to above 20" (refer to some of the posts which recommend 21" at least). When you do replace your transom I suggest you create a 'well' in which to place a bilge pump - you'll see several pics of this also. I'm betting you will have a few laughs as well. Ken |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54004
|
Hey 60,
I would tell you to keep the boat totally stock with the 15" transom, and put a 80-100 hp short shaft on it... heh, because thats what I did. The motor is really the smaller cost of a restoration. I had twice the money in my G3 hull work than I had in the motor restoration done by a pro. 
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Bandit - 1959 Glasspar G3
See more G3s at www.g3owners.com |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54032
|
60.
Im about 2 hrs from you, just north of Indy. The 70hp omc is a good motor for the G3, looks like you might be close enough to the Ohio river to use it. I would go with a 22" transom height as its easer to cut it down than build it back up, but it depends on what your going to use the boat for. I go for the spd boat thing but not every one does. ask anything about anythig here and you will get most any answer, but remember its free advice |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54034
|
60.
I didnt use any fancy expensive wood or anything for that matter, go to the libary and see if they have any fiberglassing :how to: books or look for them on ebay ,if you have limited experiance, what you do under the paint is more critical than the paint, good CLEAN bonding is the trick, most if not all midwest G3s need eveything! Glasspar used....well lets just say Quick methods in production. I do like to use epoxy over the poly because I can find it cheep and it cures slower and has very good bonding to wood and old glass. i usuly get that on ebay, last time 165.00 for 3 gal, and you will need about 6. 1 4x8 sheet for the floor and 3 for transum and side boards depending on thickness you pick. I used 1/4" on transum and 3/8 on the floor, its alot of work but I-we all think its worth it. Others here may have the real count but I think there are around 100 G3s in and around this group....welcome.... 
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54207
|
Hi 60, welcome to the world of Glasspar. As you quickly found out the support here is wonderful. What ever brand or horsepower you end up with you can draw on others successes and failures. It has all been tried. I think that ponyboy has the best 4cyl. setup I have seen. ie 70 - 90 hp rigs. You have the chance, with your fresh start, not to need a setback trim item. CMC or jack plate, as you can build your transom to fit your motor needs. and with your trim and tilt motor bolted directly to the transom it will float higher. Also keep in mind that you are going to be seeing boat run with standard bottoms and boats with modified running surfaces. So find out as much as you can as you make your building choices. SS
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54218
|
I have all the original trim for mine and it will be a a 15 INCH transom when I am done. I like the original lines and the original lines were set up for 15 inches. The 20 inch transoms IMO make them a bit chunky in the rear. 20 inch motors expecially the BIG inline Mercury 6 looks waaaayyy to tall. Again my opinion.
I have about 10 short shaft motors from 60-155 hp so this may be another reason I pick 15 inches.  The shorter motors look better and more "racy"Also if you build it for 15 inches you could use a 2 inch set back jack plate to use your 20 inch motor until you found a 15 inch substitute. My 1960 G-3 came with a 1960 700 DR inline 6. Probably my favorite motor for this boat and probably what will go on it. Conrad |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54374
|
I am right there with you Conrad... except I'm not sure I could handle a DR motor... my attention span is too short, I would be busting docks for sure.
I don't worry about the low transom height even with my CMC, there is plenty of splash well to contain the wash. Even when I get off the power quickly, I dont get any real water over the transom. 
Shortshaft, is that your black open deck with the V-6 Merc beast on the back?  I saw it in a video taken around the time when Thom was down visiting you guys down in Florida.Dean |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Bandit - 1959 Glasspar G3
See more G3s at www.g3owners.com |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54454
|
milkdud wrote:
Yep, for once, Milkdud, we AGREE on something! ugly Mercs!  HA!GO WITH THE EVINRUDE, unless, of course, you REALLY enjoy tinkering with your outboard in the middle of the lake in the 100 plus degree summer heat, in which case the Merc is the ONLY choice....  HA!NUT |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54455
|
deanlofall wrote:
gee, Dean, maybe be from lack of forward momentum....ya think? HA!NUT |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54468
|
1960G3 wrote:
1960G3: That 2009 Mercury 50 H.P. Two Stroke on my boat weighs 204 lbs. Water does NOT come over the back of our boat when you slow down or completely chop the throttle. Like Dean, I prefer the look of the stock transom on the G-3, but as the members said, that is personal preference. I will try to get a picture up for you of how my engine is mounted on the boat Sir. |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54469
|
1960G3:
Here is a picture of how my motor is mounted on our G-3: 
I mounted a "Bob's Machine Hydraulic Jackplate" on the transom and am really happy with it. I have the ability to raise or lower the motor while I am underway in the water. |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54479
|
Nope NUT... PLENTY of forward momentum. The faster you go, the less wake you make. Of course it may be a different story if I had one of those squatty, white anchors hanging off the back of my boat.
 Do i need to show you that film strip again? HEH!
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Bandit - 1959 Glasspar G3
See more G3s at www.g3owners.com |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 9 months ago #54511
|
Dean......aint NO way you could ever pass my tunnel with your G3, unless you strap on about another 50hp, a paded hull,etc,etc, lol
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58849
|
Last August I drove over 900 miles, each way, to get my first G3. It had a 1963 65Hp Mercury on it, which had a bad lower unit. So instead of putting more money in an old motor, I bought a 1982 75HP Johnson that had just been rebuilt, and had power trim/tilt. I had to build up the transom for the longer shaft on the Johnson, but that was no problem since I needed to do some transom work anyway. It seems to me this is the ideal size motor for this boat. Sure, you can put more HP on it, but just for skiing, tubing, and cruising around, I think I'll be happy with the HP I have. After several months of working on it, I put it the water for the first time 5 days ago. Every time I hit a few noticeable waves,I kept thinking I hope there's not a crack in the hull that I don't know about!!! So far, so good!
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58861
|
I ran a 1960 center deck from 1960 to 1974 with a 75 hp Johnson, racing, when set up for speed, skiing many weekends, etc. The 75 hp is ideal for a G-3.
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Jim Savage
|
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58946
|
Jim Your Head has Swelled since you got that 1000, till then all you talked about was your Mighty Merc 650 and not a mention of it in this thread?Ha, The 650 is probably one of the best matches for all around use with an original g3 imo. Yep, lots of good free advise but we all should know what free gets you, so take it all with a grain of salt. I'm in the minority liking short shafts and motors for g3 from 65-100hp. I wont raise a transom but will put a adjustable jack-shaft on one like Wade S. made a couple years ago. As Dean said stopping with a 15" transoms not a problem, If I ever stopped fast just a turn before stoppng makes the wake flow sideways . Any progress pic's of your g3 '60'? B.. |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
3 cd g3's
1 seafair sedan |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58947
|
1960RedG-3 wrote:
THATS SMART! |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
3 cd g3's
1 seafair sedan |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58959
|
Thanks Bill!
 |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58976
|
I apologize!! Yes, the Merc 650 is ideal on a G-3 and I truly enljoyed running it, but was tired of those pesky OMC 70 hp and a certain Stinger being just a bit faster than me!! I raced boats for 20 years and at age 73+ I still like to get there FIRST!!!!
Gotta get a battery, and I will be running the Merc 1000 now that I feel a bit better and the weather is nice here now. |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Jim Savage
|
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #58985
|
Hey Jim a battrie does not cost that much so no more excuse's for not putting the boat in the water and some pic of it flying.
No more talk just action. Mike aka the pirate |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 6 months ago #59018
|
Yes Sir, Captain Pirate Mike!!! Will do soon!!!
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Jim Savage
|
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 13 years 2 months ago #66744
|
Just got the new Merc 50 hp motor on the boat today ..We are having a problem with porposing at slow and high speeds , Don't want to go over 3500 rpms it gets worse..But this didnt happen with the old 1978 70 hp Merc I heard of all fixes underneath the boat that could stop it My neighbor said in the old days they would run a strip of Silicone on the edge of the bottom of the boat ??
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 12 years 11 months ago #71051
|
1960G3,
WELCOME ABOARD. IF that was MY G3, I would have nothing but a 1960 restored Mercury DOCKBUSTER on it. yours, satx |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to Almighty God.
Thomas Jefferson, 1803 |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 6 years 7 months ago #139047
|
Hello Sir:
I have a Glasspar G3 that I had refurbish (1959 G3) and have the same motor that you have (Johnson Stinger 75HP short shaft). I like to know what kind of prop and pitch that you use on your motor? Thank you Sylvester |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 6 years 7 months ago #139048
|
Hello Sir:
I like to know what prop and pitch that you use on your Stinger motor?? |
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 6 years 7 months ago #139055
|
Here is a picture of Mercury Momma's '66 G-3 powered by a 15" Merc 850xs with power trim.
Very nice combination IMHO, and much more docile than Wild Thanggg powered by a short shaft Mercury 1500xs. doc 
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 6 years 1 month ago #140979
|
OR,....Maybe a 1500xs Merc???
https://www (dot) youtube.com/watch?v=z4zvpFl5cpc What a ride!!! doc |
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Re:Best outboard for 1960 G3 6 years 1 month ago #140986
|
That was one scary ride for sure!!!
|
|
|
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. |
Time to create page: 0.224 seconds
Donate
Please consider supporting our efforts.
Glassified Ads
Flying Scott 60 |
FOR SALE : YAMAHA 300 HP 4 STROKE( / Boats)
10-02-2025
1964 Aristo-Craft Funliner( / Boats)
09-12-2025
FG Login
FiberGoogle
Who's Online
We have 4339 guests and no members online