This is a very rare and desirable motor. The rarest version of this motor does not have a separate riveted nameplate as seen on later versions. The “nameplate” is an unpainted and polished portion of the cowl. Later and slightly more common versions of this motor have a separate riveted name plate behind the Evinrude decal. (single rivet towards front of nameplate) The rare version also has the thick ridge knurled wire nuts and not the fine ridge as seen on 1954 K&O motors. Another detail specific to this motor is the rear screw placement. The screw goes through the trim ring and not on the casing below the trim ring. Both the early 1953 and the 1953/54 crossover version of this motor have the notch in the lower unit just under the cowl portion towards the rear of the motor.

NOTE: It is still debated if the "rivet nameplate with notched lower" version of this motor is a true 1953 or a very early 1954. This site considers the rivet nameplate with notch lower unit version to be a "crossover" motor from 1953 to 1954. See additional views for example of motor

Notable Traits:

Height: 5.5 inches

“Made In Japan” in raised lettering on lower unit

First year production year for Evinrude

Rear screw goes through trim ring

Knurled wire nuts have thick ridges

“Notch” in lower unit just below cowl towards the rear of the motor

Solid driveshaft between motor and propshaft

3-Blade Prop

Offered in a brown box with blue “Evinrude Outboard Motors” graphics, instruction sheet, white tin and wood stand, blue battery wires and metal battery post terminals

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 4.5/5
Desirability: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

The most common K&O Evinrude 25hp. All 1954 Evinrude’s have the riveted nameplate behind Evinrude decal. 1954 was the last year for knurled wire nuts. There are several subtle variations of this motor. Several variations are for slight decals variances as well as motors with a screw for the gear lash or screw-omit.

Notable Traits:

Height: 5.5 inches

“Japan” in raised letters on lower unit

“Notch” in lower unit has been removed

Solid driveshaft between motor and propshaft

3-Blade Prop

Offered in the same brown box with blue “Evinrude Outboard Motors” graphics as the 1953

Came with instruction sheet, white plastic stand, blue battery wires and metal battery post terminals

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 1/5
Desirability: 2/5
Value: 2/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

Slightly rarer than the 1954 and 1956 Evinrude motors. New 1955 cowl design and first Evinrude with attached battery wires and “fork” terminals. Only K&O Evinrude to carry the “Aquasonic” name.

Notable Traits:

Height: 5.5 inches

New 1955 Evinrude design

No knurled wire nuts

First year for attached battery wires - blue with red and blue insulators

Only Evinrude motor with “Aquasonic” name (“whispering power” only on port side of motor)

First year for two-tone blue and white color scheme

Solid driveshaft between motor and propshaft

3-Blade Prop

Offered brown box with updated blue “Evinrude Whispering Power” graphics

Came with instruction sheet, white plastic stand, and metal battery post terminals

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 2.5/5
Desirability: 3/5 -
Value: 2.5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

The second most common K&O Evinrude. First year offered in tri-color paint scheme. Same motor design as seen in 1955 but, with color, decal, and construction changes. First year for separate faceplate. Rarest variation of this motor comes from repainted leftover 1955 motors.

Notable Traits:

Height: 5.5 inches

First year for “HP” increase to 30HP

Blue battery wires with red and blue insulators

Same body style as 1955 model with cosmetic and construction updates

Solid driveshaft between motor and propshaft

3-Blade Prop

Offered in the same brown box with blue “Evinrude Whispering Power” graphics as the 1955 version

Came with instruction sheet, white plastic stand, and metal battery post terminals

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 1/5
Desirability: 2/5
Value: 2/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

Similar in rarity and desirability as the 1955 Evinrude, the 1957 model maintains similar body style as 1955-56 Evinrude motors. Continuing the tri-tone paint scheme the motor now carries the “script” Evinrude logo. The cowl for this motor has screws behind the red circle decals which usually causes the decals to become chipped or missing.

Notable Traits:

• Height: 5.5 inches

• Second year for “HP” increase to 35HP

• Blue battery wires with red and blue insulators

• Same body style as 1955-56 models

• Last year for mid-size motor design

• Solid driveshaft between motor and propshaft

• 3-Blade Prop

• Offered in lbrown box with newly updated blue “Evinrude Whispering Power” graphics for 1957

• Came with instruction sheet, white plastic stand, and metal battery post terminals

• 3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 2/5
Desirability: 3/5
Value: 2.5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

This is one of the rarer and more desirable Evinrude motors. 1958 was the first model year for the new “small” K&O motors. These were available in 4-color “Painted” K&O boxes. Only the small K&O motors were offered in these paint-style boxes from 1958-1960. 1958 small motors also came with new spring-drive drivetrains. The electric motor is connected to the prop shaft with a spring rather than the solid drive shaft as found on earlier K&O motors. The 1958 35HP Evinrude and Johnson motors were the only two motors that originally came with a small metal fitment wedge to better attach the motors to certain Fleet Line boats. The wedge would be placed between the transom bracket on the motor and transom on the boat. This wedge is very rare as many of them have been lost over the years.

Notable Traits:

Height: 4.75 inches

New thinner black battery wires with red and blue insulators

Same body style as 1955-57 models but, now shorter and slightly thinner than previous years

No longer offered with tiller handle

One of only two motors originally sold with a small metal fitment-wedge (Very rare piece)

First year with “spring-drive” drivetrain

2-Blade Prop - smaller dimensions than 3-blade Prop

Offered in the “Painted” full color K&O box featuring rendering of the motor

Came with instruction sheet - no stand included

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 3.5/5
Desirability: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

This is one of the more detailed and intricate K&O Evinrude’s available but, this model struggles with desirability and value as compared to other V-4 K&O’s. This motor is generally the least valuable and sought after V-4 in the K&O line. This is the first Evinrude Starflite offered and commonly referred to as the “Fat Fifty”. The construction of this motor has multiple panels and adornments.

Notable Traits:

Height: apx 6 inches

Light blue battery wires with red and blue insulators

Very ornate and detailed motor.

First year for high HP V-4 motors - 50HP

Solid driveshaft between motor and propshaft

Nicknamed the “Fat Fifty” due to “Four Fifty” name on faceplate

3-Blade Prop

Offered in large brown box with black graphics of the motor and Evinrude logo

Came with instruction sheet and white plastic stand

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 2.5/5
Desirability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

An entirely new “boxy” look and Evinrude 50th Anniversary paint job for 1959. This is the first year for the Lark line and the second year for “small” K&O motors. The 1959 Lark is not as rare or desirable as the 1958 Big Twin but, this is still not a common motor. This model is very susceptible to the transom bracket either cracking or breaking. DO NOT over tighten the transom screws on this model.

Notable Traits:

Height: 4.75 inches

Thin white battery wires with red and light blue insulators

New “boxy” body style for 1959

First year for Evinrude Lark

Comes with “spring-drive” drivetrain

Evinrude 50th Anniversary paint job

2-Blade Prop - smaller dimensions than 3-blade Prop

Offered in the “Painted” full color K&O box featuring rendering of the motor

Came with instruction sheet - no stand included

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 3/5
Desirability: 3/5
Value: 3/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

Like its smaller companion, this motor reflects the new design and 50th Anniversary paint job for 1959. This is the second year for the “large” V-4 Evinrude motors. The 1959 Evinrude Starflite is more desirable than the 1958 but, not as desirable as the 1960 Starflite. This is not a rare motor but, still not a common motor either.

Notable Traits:

• Height: apx 6 inches

• Light blue battery wires with red and blue insulators

• New body style for 1959

• First year for “Spring-drive” drivetrain in the V-4 motors

• 3-Blade Prop

• Evinrude 50th Anniversary paint job

• Intricate multi-piece cowl design

• Offered in large brown box with two-tone black and white motor graphics and Evinrude logo

• Came with instruction sheet and white plastic stand

• 3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 2.5/5
Desirability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

1960 showcased a new white and silver paint scheme with similar motor styling as the 1959 Lark. This is another “small” K&O motor and is extremely rare and desirable. The 1960 Lark’s rarity makes this a very sought after and very valuable motor. The side chevron Evinrude decals for 1960 were poorly made and are often missing or very cracked and degraded.

Notable Traits:

Height: 4.75 inches

Thin white battery wires with red and light blue insulators

VERY RARE MOTOR

Simplistic bold design

Poor quality side cowl chevron Evinrude decals – often found in poor condition

“Spring-drive” drivetrain

Motor design shared many parts with the 1959 Lark

2-Blade Prop - smaller dimensions than 3-blade Prop

Offered in the “Painted” full color K&O box featuring rendering of the motor

Came with instruction sheet - no stand included

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 5/5
Desirability: 5/5
Value: 5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

1960 showcased a new white and silver paint scheme with similar motor styling as the 1959 Starflite. This is another “large” K&O motor and is VERY rare and desirable but, not as rare as the 40hp Lark version. The 1960 Starflite has a simplistic and bold cowl design. As with the Lark version of this motor, the side chevron Evinrude decals were poorly made and are often missing or found in bad condition.

Notable Traits:

Height: apx 6 inches

Light blue battery wires with blue and red insulators

Simplistic and bold cowl design

“Spring-drive” drivetrain

3-Blade Prop

Offered in the same large brown box as the 1959 Starflite with two-tone black and white 1959 Starflite motor graphics and Evinrude logo

Came with instruction sheet and white plastic stand

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 4.5/5
Desirability: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

1961 showcased a newly designed aerodynamic cowling with white and gray two-tone paint scheme. The 1961 Lark is a rare and desirable “small” K&O motor but, not as rare as the 1960 or 1962 versions. The motor shows a multi-piece cowl design with white metal wrap and chrome fins. This is also the first year for the “E” icon appearing below the script Evinrude logo.

Notable Traits:

Height: 4.75 inches

Thin white battery wires with red and light blue insulators

New aerodynamic cowl design

First appearance of Evinrude “E” icon

Multi-piece cowl featuring white metal wrap and chrome fins

2-Blade Prop - smaller dimensions than 3-blade Prop

Offered in “Painted” limited color K&O box featuring rendering of the motor - the same box was also used for the 1962 Lark

Came with instruction sheet - no stand included

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 3.5/5
Desirability: 4/5
Value: 4/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

1961 showcased a newly designed aerodynamic cowling with white and gray two-tone paint scheme. The 1961 Starflite is a rare and desirable “large” K&O motor but, not as rare as the 1960 or 1962 versions. The motor shows a multi-piece bulbous cowl design with white metal almond-shaped plates and chrome fins. This is also the first year for the “E” icon appearing below the script Evinrude logo.

Notable Traits:

Height: apx 6 inches

Black battery wires with green and red insulators instead of the red and blue from earlier year motors

Streamlined yet bulbous cowl design

First year for black battery wires

Multi-piece cowl featuring white almond-shaped plats and chrome fins

First appearance of Evinrude “E” icon

“Spring-drive” drivetrain

3-Blade Prop

Offered in large brown box with black “E” icon and Evinrude logo graphics - same box was used for 1962 Starflite

Came with instruction sheet and white plastic stand

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 3.5/5
Desirability: 4/5
Value: 4/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

1962 carried over the same aerodynamic cowl design as 1961 but, with a new inset emblem wrap. The 1962 Lark is a very rare and desirable “small” K&O motor but, still not as rare as the 1960 Lark. The motor shows a multi-piece cowl design with white metal wrap and a new inset emblem wrap. This is also the second year for the “E” icon which now appears alongside the block-text Evinrude logo.

Notable Traits:

Height: 4.75 inches

Thin white battery wires with red and green insulators

Second year for the aerodynamic cowl design

Second appearance of Evinrude “E” icon now alongside the block-text Evinrude logo

Multi-piece cowl featuring white metal wrap and inset emblem

2-Blade Prop - smaller dimensions than 3-blade Prop

Offered in the same “Painted” limited color K&O box featuring rendering of the 1961 Lark motor

Came with instruction sheet - no stand included

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 4.5/5
Desirability: 5/5
Value: 5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most

1962 maintained the same bulbous motor design and paint job as 1961 with new inset almond-shaped logo emblem. The 1962 Starflite is a very rare and desirable “large” K&O motor. The motor shows a multi-piece white metal almond-shaped plates and similar shaped inset emblem. This is also the second year for the “E” icon which now appears alongside the Evinrude block-text logo. This motor also displays a “Starflite IV” decal on the rear of the cowl.

Notable Traits:

Height: apx 6 inches

Black battery wires with green and red insulators instead of the red and blue from earlier year motors

Streamlined yet bulbus cowl design

Multi-piece cowl featuring white almond-shaped plats and similar shape inset emblem

Rear cowl “Starflite IV” decal

Second appearance of Evinrude “E” icon now placed alongside the block-text Evinrude logo

“Spring-drive” drivetrain

3-Blade Prop

Offered in the same large brown box with black “E” icon and Evinrude logo graphics as the 1961 Starflite

Came with instruction sheet and white plastic stand

3 to 6 Volts

Rarity: 4.5/5
Desirability: 5/5
Value: 5/5

*Ratings based on 1-5 with 1 being least and 5 being most