How to Install a Johnson 60 Hp Outboard Motor

Mounting a 60 Hp Johnson outboard motor on your boat is straightforward and fairly easy, and is much less complicated than installing an inboard motor. Here we will concentrate on how to install a Johnson 60 Hp outboard motor on a typical 18-foot boat with an open stern that is set up for the use of an outboard motor.

Things You'll Need

• Marine battery
• Portable boat gas tank with hose and siphon pump
• Outboard motor mounting brackets

Instructions

1. Mount the motor at the stern (back) end of the boat. There's an area in the middle of the stern where the motor will be connected with the boat motor brackets you have purchased from a boat dealer or marine supply store. The mounting can be done by placing the brackets on the motor first and then attaching the boat to the stern (or vice versa).

2. Read the instructions related to fuel, fuel supply and battery type as they apply specifically to the 60 Hp Johnson outboard motor before you proceed to the next steps. The instructions should come with the motor. This is necessary not only for safety, but also to ensure you do not damage your engine. If you do not do things right, your motor may perform poorly or not work at all.

3. Supply the motor with an electrical source using a deep cycle marine battery. The process is somewhat similar to attaching battery cables to your car battery. Connect positive to positive and negative to negative per the instructions that came with your Johnson boat motor. Secure the battery as near to the motor in the stern as you can, and preferably in an easily accessible waterproof container or box.

4. Get a source for fuel. Portable marine gas tanks can be purchased at most boat dealerships or marine supply stores. They are usually constructed of heavy plastic. A hose and siphon pump should be purchased at the same time. Attach the hose to the fuel nozzle of the motor per the instruction manual and the other end to the gas tank. In the middle of this hose is a hand siphon that will allow you to prime the motor with gas in order to start it. After you start the motor, the gas pumps itself, so no other siphoning is usually needed.

5. Inspect your setup when you are finished. Make sure all connections are secure, such as the motor and motor brackets, fuel lines and battery cables.

Tips & Warnings

• Boxes to hold your battery are available for sale, but can also be easily constructed out of wood.

• Never use a car battery as your electrical source. Use a marine deep cycle battery as specified for the 60 Hp Johnson outboard motor.