Gale Model 35D13 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

The Gale 35D13 is a classic 35-horsepower vintage outboard motor manufactured by the Gale Products Division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Operating as a subsidiary of OMC alongside Johnson and Evinrude, Gale produced robust, dependable outboards that were sold under their own Buccaneer brand as well as department store house brands like Montgomery Ward Sea King and Atlas Royal. Because the 35D13 shares core mechanical engineering with contemporary OMC 35 HP powerheads from the late 1950s, it remains a favorite among vintage boating enthusiasts for its relative simplicity, power, and excellent availability of replacement wear-parts.

Technical Specifications

• Model: 35D13
• Horsepower: 35.0 HP @ 4,500 RPM (OBC certified)
• Operating Range: 4,000 – 5,000 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders
• Displacement: 40.5 cubic inches
• Bore & Stroke: 3-1/16″ x 2-3/4″
• Powerhead Type: 2-cycle, 2-port, alternate firing
• Gear Ratio: 12:21
• Gearshift Control: Forward – Neutral – Reverse (FNR)
• Propeller: 3-blade, 10-3/8″ x 13-1/4″
• Cooling System: Positive and centrifugal synthetic rubber rotor pump
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Concentric type float with fast and slow speed adjustable needle valves, automotive-type choke
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle with twist grip control
• Starter: Automatic rewind recoil starter
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (separate remote tank)
• Estimated Running Time: Approx. 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours per tank
• Weight: 124 lbs. (dry, less tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (Standard short shaft)

Fuel Mix & Operating Guidelines

Like most OMC-built twin-cylinder motors of this era, the Gale 35D13 relies entirely on oil premixed into the gasoline for internal lubrication. Modern NMMA TC-W3 marine two-stroke oil should be used.

• Recommended Oil Ratio: A 24:1 fuel-to-oil mix is standard for mid-to-late 1950s OMC 35 HP powerheads (1 quart of TC-W3 oil per 6 gallons of regular unleaded fuel).
• Fuel Quality: Whenever possible, run 87 or 91 octane ethanol-free fuel. Ethanol degrades vintage rubber fuel lines, carburetor floats, and fuel pump diaphragms, while attracting water into the fuel system.

Maintenance & Restoration Advice

Restoring or commissioning a Gale 35D13 is a straightforward project thanks to OMC’s standardized design principles. Focus on these core mechanical areas before taking the motor out on the water:

1. Ignition System:
The built-in flywheel magneto uses dual ignition coils, breaker points, and condensers. Original OMC green plastic ignition coils tend to crack and fail with age. Remove the flywheel to inspect the ignition assembly. Standard replacement coils, points set to .020″, and new condensers are readily available through marine parts suppliers.

2. Cooling System Maintenance:
Never start the engine without replacing the synthetic rubber water pump impeller first. Vintage impellers dry-rot, crack, or lose flexibility over time, which can quickly overheat and ruin the powerhead. Verify that water flows freely out of the exhaust relief port once running.

3. Carburetor & Fuel Delivery:
Clean the carburetor thoroughly to remove varnish and debris. The 35D13 features manually adjustable high-speed and low-speed needle valves. For initial bench tuning, gently seat both needles, then back the high-speed valve out about 3/4 to 1 full turn, and the slow-speed valve out approximately 1-1/2 turns. Fine-tune under load while on the water.

4. Lower Unit & Gearcase:
Drain the lower unit oil before testing. Look for milky fluid or metal shavings, which indicate water intrusion or worn gears. Replace the drain plug O-rings and refill with standard marine lower unit gear lube (80W-90 oil). If water leakage persists, replace the propeller shaft and driveshaft seals.