Evinrude E55MJRL 55 HP Outboard Motor

This used Evinrude E55MJRL puts a 55-hp, two-cylinder engine on a tiller handle with mechanical controls, a rope starter, and manual tilt assisted by a cylinder rather than a powered system.

Engine and gearing

Total displacement is 53 cubic inches, the primary gear set is geared 2.67:1, lower than the ratio Evinrude used on this family's remote-steer siblings, and wide open this engine climbs to 5,500-6,000 rpm. Charging comes from a system good for 81 amps total, 25 of that usable net, enough to keep a battery topped off through a day on the water.

Starting and weight

Starting is by pull rope here, though an electric start kit is sold separately for anyone who wants to add it later. On a 20-inch shaft, this particular unit weighs 277 lbs, heavier than some similarly rigged tiller motors in this lineup, which is worth factoring into how it trims on a smaller hull.

Deciding between tiller and remote

A tiller-steered outboard like this one keeps shift, throttle, and steering at one handle, which a lot of owners of smaller boats prefer for docking and tight-quarters maneuvering over a remote console and separate wheel.

• Starter: rope pull, with an electric start kit available as a separate option
• Tilt: manual, assisted by a cylinder rather than powered
• Weight and shaft: 277 lbs on a 20-inch shaft