Anybody know anything about mini outboard motors?

Tallone · Feb 19, 2015

I picked up this miniature electric outboard motor a few weeks ago.

In working condition, these things can sell for around $200. This one appears to be in pretty good shape but it looks like a wire is missing. Note the top terminal on the red rectangle. There is a glob of solder there but no wire attached.

I would also like to know what size battery these need to operate. I have been scouring the internet for a schematic or an operating manual but no luck. I did find an article describing the manufacturing history of the K&O company that made these. Interesting article but no help in testing or troubleshooting.

Does anybody here know anything about these?

cyberdan · Feb 19, 2015

Where is the end of the wire on the right?
looks like a little wire trimming and re-soldering should take care of that problem.
is that grey and black box a transformer? needs a little cleaning and repaint and that motor will look new.
if that box has that much corrosion it has probably been used a lot. might need the drive shaft pulled and greased.
sorry can't help about voltage. go to a local lake and look for someone running their boat

that is unless you live in MN at -42 right now

Coldshuz · Feb 19, 2015

This may be a help. Full manual for this motor. D/L PDF for $4.95.

1956 Scott-Atwater Model 3665 33 HP Outboard Service Manual PDF Download

This is the home page for them.

Scott-Atwater Outboard Motor Service Manuals PDF Download

coinchaser · Feb 19, 2015

They were used by the sakes department to help sell the real motors.

bdsawyer · Feb 19, 2015

I have tested these type of motors with a 9v battery, should work if you get the connection secured.

cyberdan · Feb 19, 2015

coinchaser said:
They were used by the sakes department to help sell the real motors.

So it is a salesman's sample? that could be worth some money!

Tallone · Feb 22, 2015

@cyberdan - The black box is a magnet. I don't know if they were sold in dealerships or not but they were certainly used as a working motor for toy boats. The K&O company produced a wide variety of these in the 1950s and 60s. Some of them are worth very good money. Search the sold listings on ebay for "K&O toy outboard motor" and you will see what I mean.

@coldshuz - Thanks for the link!