Customer Reviews

The Old Outboard Book

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Peter Hunn has distilled a plethora of details about the history of the outboard motor into a readable and accurate record. The entire range of outboard engineering from the first iron and brass "knucklebusters" to the more modern engines developed after WWII. The places. The people. The times. All gathered into concise, understandable and interesting reading. Among the more interesting chapters is a section on collectible model outboards, a model - year guide for the more popular brands, even a price guide of estimated collectors valuations for most older models. A "must read" for the antique and vintage outboard buff!

I grew up on a lake and so was around boats and outboards most of my life. My Dad had a book on outboards that was writen by one of his friends. When Dad died I looked for it, but could not find it. I checked with Amazon.con and was told it was out of print. They did have Peter Hunn's book however. I liked the review and bought it. When it came, I could not put it down. For anyone interested in outboards, it has a wealth of information. I found it well written and easy to follow. Mr. Hunn gives the history of the major brands and many I had never heard of. It is amply illistrated and shows a sampling of engines from almost the turn of the century through the mid '60s. If you find an old motor and want to know when it was built, it's in there. If you want to know what spark plug is recomended for your Dad's old fishing motor, it's in there. If a meighbor wants to know what his grandfather's row boat motor is worth, It has guide lines for that also. It even covers toy outboards. It has tips on where to find parts. I have started collecting now and it has become a reference that I use almost dayly. In short it will introduce you to the fasenating hobby of antique outboard collecting. If you are already a collector, this is your Bible.

The Old Outboard Book by Peter Hunn is an excellent overview of the origins of the outboard motor and its development. The book covers the pioneers of the industry like Ole Evinrude, the third grade educated motor builder who was full of ingenuity. It tells the tale of Carl Kiekhaefer, the mechanical engineer whose stumbling onto a few leftover motors in the manufacturing plant he bought led to the creation of Mercury Marine, one of the largest producers of outboards today. As an enthusiast of old outboard motors, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a subject which is very difficult to find information on, and this book is a very good starting point. The basics of collecting are covered, such as what to look for, how much to pay, etc. There is also some basic technical information for old outboards from both major and minor manufacturers, as well as some very good illustrations. This book provides an excellent history lesson and a "how to" collection guide, but it is not a repair or technical manual by any means. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever had the cover off and old outboard.

Great book for the begining outboard collector. Lots of brand history and identification information.

Peter Hunn's book; "The Old Outboard Book" is enjoyable reading for either the casual outboarder to the avid collector. The background of the old 'kickers' is interesting and informative. Peter lists motors that are common today to the private labels of days gone by. His chapter that he devotes to appraising all the old models assists the would be buyer to the collector as to what that old iron could be worth. He takes into account condition on a 5-point scale that is realistic in arriving at an estimate.

The chapter on care, repair, and running could have gone into more depth. In this area he could likely writer another book on how to restore an antique motor.

Overall, it is worth the investment, and is a good resource.

This book is one to get for all ages.It lists all the brand motors of old. It gives the history of each motor which I found very interesting and helpful.It also gives a price guide of each motor and which I disagree with. The motor I have I would not sell for the price thats listed in the book. But it gives you the info on what you are looking for.

This is NOT a detailed repair manual, but rather a valuable history of outboards including many of the obscure makes such as the one you have leaning in the corner of the shed.

If you thought the first 2 editions were good, wait until you get the third edition: bigger and even more packed with information on old outboards! Peter's easy to read style makes this book a pleasure to read and re-read!

A great book detailing the history of the outboard motor covering the big three and various independent outboard manufactures.

After reading the 2nd edition of Peter Hunn's The Old Outboard Book I couldn't wait to get the revised and expanded 3rd edition. I take the book with me when I go looking for old outboards and swap meets. No better reference exists in my opinion.