Gale Model 22DE16 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of Gale Outboard Motors

Gale Products, a former division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), manufactured durable and dependable outboard motors from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. Operating as OMC’s value-oriented brand, Gale produced outboards under its own name (such as the Gale Buccaneer and Sovereign) as well as store-brand badging for major retailers like Montgomery Ward (Sea King). Built on proven OMC powerheads and mechanical designs, Gale outboards are prized today by collectors and vintage boat enthusiasts for their robust construction, simple mechanicals, and easy availability of replacement wear-parts.

The Gale Model 22DE16 is a classic 25-horsepower, twin-cylinder outboard engineered for medium-sized runabouts, utility craft, and vintage aluminum fishing boats. Featuring electric starting capabilities, a full gearshift transmission, and standard remote tank hookups, it represents the peak of mid-century OMC utility motor design.

Technical Specifications: Gale 22DE16

• Model: Gale 22DE16
• Horsepower Rating: 25.0 HP @ 4,500 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Full Throttle Operating Range: 4,000 – 5,000 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders (Alternate firing)
• Bore & Stroke: 2-7/8″ Bore x 2-3/4″ Stroke
• Displacement: 35.7 Cubic Inches
• Powerhead Type: 2-Cycle, 2-Port
• Gear Ratio: 12:21
• Gearshift Control: Forward – Neutral – Reverse (F-N-R)
• Starter: 12-Volt Electric Start with Automatic Rewind Manual Backup
• Ignition System: Flywheel Magneto
• Carburetor: Float Feed with adjustable High and Low-Speed needles
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle with twist-grip handle
• Cooling System: Combination displacement and centrifugal water pump with rubber blade impeller
• Propeller: 3-Blade, 10-3/8″ Diameter x 12-1/2″ Pitch
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons (External pressurization or pump-fed tank)
• Weight: 130 lbs (excluding fuel tank)
• Transom Height: 15 Inches (Standard Short Shaft)

Maintenance & Restoration Guidelines

Restoring or recommissioning a vintage Gale 22DE16 is a straightforward project thanks to its shared architecture with contemporary Evinrude and Johnson 25 HP models. Key areas requiring attention during maintenance include:

• Ignition System: The built-in flywheel magneto uses dual ignition coils, points, and condensers. Original OMC coils from this era frequently crack due to age and moisture. Replace cracked coils with modern epoxy-encapsulated OMC/Sierra replacements and set point gaps precisely to .020 inches.
• Water Pump & Cooling: Never run the motor dry. The combination water pump relies on a flexible rubber impeller. Replace the impeller prior to putting a long-stored motor back into service to prevent severe powerhead overheating. Ensure cooling passages are free of debris or salt buildup.
• Carburetor Service: The float-feed carburetor features manual high- and low-speed adjustment needles. Remove, soak, and rebuild the carburetor with fresh packing washers and a modern fuel-resistant float. Set initial adjustments to roughly 1-1/2 turns open for the low-speed needle and 3/4 turn open for the high-speed needle before fine-tuning on the water.
• Lower Unit Lubrication: Drain and inspect the lower unit gear lubricant. If water contamination (milky fluid) is present, replace the prop shaft, drive shaft, and shift rod seals. Always refill with proper marine gear lube (such as Hi-Vis gear lubricant).

Fuel Mix & Lubrication Requirements

Because mid-1950s OMC and Gale motors utilize a combination of bronze bushings and needle bearings, correct fuel lubrication is critical for engine longevity.

Recommended Fuel Mix: Use a strict 24:1 fuel-to-oil ratio (16 ounces / 1 pint of oil per 3 gallons of gasoline, or 1 quart per 6-gallon tank). Use standard 87-octane unleaded gasoline—preferably ethanol-free—mixed with a high-quality TC-W3 rated 2-stroke marine outboard oil. Avoid running leaner ratios such as 50:1 on these vintage powerheads, as reduced oil concentration will accelerate wear on internal wrist pin bushings and crank bearings.