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Hi all,
I'm Dick Johnson and I've been lurking here for a couple weeks after Joe (Helmar) talked me into joining. Joe and I have know each other for 40yrs, I just realized that! Anyway after attending the Portland Swapmeet in April this year I came across a Bearcat 55 with a Crosley, the car was sold but the engine was not, asking price was $300. I called Joe for advice on prices of these, made an offer and bought it. In the back of my mind I've wanted one of these since I heard one on the Clackamas river many yrs ago. I have it running now but it has compression issues. I since purchased two more, one good runner and a short shaft parts engine and have another two parts engines in the works. When I get into something I become obsessed! I don't have a "classic boat", I bought new in '89 a 16ft Sylvan Super Sportster (it's now 20yrs old, maybe a classic?) which is where the Bearcat will reside. The boat has sat unused for the past 16yrs and in that time the transom has rotted, along with the trailer tires. I'm about 3/4 done with the repairs and can't wait to try out the Bearcat. So while the boat is not a classic the engine is.
I've been in the marine industry for 35yrs, building and repairing ships, tugs, and barges. I've attached a picture of our last barge just before it's launch. This will be on it's way to Seattle in June.
I may just have to try and make it to your event in July on the Columbia.
Dick
I'm Dick Johnson and I've been lurking here for a couple weeks after Joe (Helmar) talked me into joining. Joe and I have know each other for 40yrs, I just realized that! Anyway after attending the Portland Swapmeet in April this year I came across a Bearcat 55 with a Crosley, the car was sold but the engine was not, asking price was $300. I called Joe for advice on prices of these, made an offer and bought it. In the back of my mind I've wanted one of these since I heard one on the Clackamas river many yrs ago. I have it running now but it has compression issues. I since purchased two more, one good runner and a short shaft parts engine and have another two parts engines in the works. When I get into something I become obsessed! I don't have a "classic boat", I bought new in '89 a 16ft Sylvan Super Sportster (it's now 20yrs old, maybe a classic?) which is where the Bearcat will reside. The boat has sat unused for the past 16yrs and in that time the transom has rotted, along with the trailer tires. I'm about 3/4 done with the repairs and can't wait to try out the Bearcat. So while the boat is not a classic the engine is.
I've been in the marine industry for 35yrs, building and repairing ships, tugs, and barges. I've attached a picture of our last barge just before it's launch. This will be on it's way to Seattle in June.
I may just have to try and make it to your event in July on the Columbia.
Dick
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