Gale Model 5S14 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of the Gale 5S14 (5 HP) Outboard Motor

Manufactured by Gale Products—a division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC)—the Gale Model 5S14 (and its sibling 5S13) represents a golden era of postwar American recreational boating. Gale outboards were known for delivering dependable, no-nonsense performance, leveraging shared engineering expertise from OMC’s sister brands, Evinrude and Johnson. Operating at 5.0 horsepower, this compact twin-cylinder motor provided exceptional utility for small fishing boats, rowboats, and dinghies.

Featuring an integrated fuel tank, a lightweight design, and a full 360-degree pivoting steering system for reverse operation, the 5S14 is a favorite among vintage motor enthusiasts for its simplicity and mechanical elegance.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 5S14 (5S13 series)
• Horsepower Rating: 5.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating RPM Range: 3,500 – 4,500 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders, alternate firing
• Bore & Stroke: 1-15/16″ Bore x 1-1/2″ Stroke
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, 2-port powerhead
• Gear Ratio: 13:20
• Propeller: 2-blade, 7-1/2″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch
• Cooling System: Positive displacement synthetic rubber rotor pump
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Single jet, variable venturi with offset float
• Speed Control: Single-lever synchronized throttle and spark advancement
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.8 gallons (gravity feed / direct tank)
• Running Time: Approximately 1 hour per tank at full load
• Starter: Automatic rewind starter
• Gearshift/Steering: 360° full reversing pivot steering
• Weight: 45.6 lbs
• Transom Recommendation: Designed for standard 15″ transoms

Fuel Mix & Lubrication Advice

Like most vintage OMC-built 2-stroke outboards of this era, the Gale 5S14 relies entirely on oil premixed with the gasoline for crankcase and cylinder lubrication. Modern low-oil ratios (such as 50:1) should never be used in these early motors, as they rely on bronze bushings and vintage bearing clearings that demand richer oil protection.

• Fuel-to-Oil Ratio: A standard mix of 24:1 (1/2 pint of oil per 1.5 gallons of gasoline, or approximately 5.3 oz per gallon) is recommended for normal operation.
• Fuel Type: Use unleaded, non-ethanol gasoline (90+ octane preferred). Ethanol can degrade vintage rubber fuel lines, carburetor gaskets, and cork float coatings.
• Oil Type: High-quality TC-W3 rated ashless two-stroke marine outboard oil.

Restoration & Maintenance Insights

Restoring or tuning up a Gale 5S14 is a rewarding project due to its straightforward mechanical design. Keep the following maintenance tips in mind when preparing a unit for the water:

1. Ignition System: The flywheel magneto system is buried beneath the recoil starter and flywheel. Inspect the high-tension coils for hairline cracks—a common failure point on vintage OMC ignition modules. Points should be cleaned, dressed, and gapped to 0.020 inches. Replace older condensers to ensure a crisp, reliable spark.

2. Cooling System: The water pump uses a synthetic rubber rotor impeller located in the lower unit. Never run the engine dry, as running without water will destroy the impeller blades in seconds. Always inspect or replace the impeller during a restoration, ensuring the cooling passages are free of debris or corrosion.

3. Carburetor & Fuel Delivery: The offset float carburetor requires periodic cleaning to clear gum and varnish from the single jet orifice. Inspect the internal float; if it is made of shellac-coated cork, check that it hasn’t become fuel-logged. Modern replacements made of composite materials are highly recommended for ethanol resistance.

4. Lower Unit Gearcase: Check the gearcase oil regularly. Fill from the bottom drain plug hole until lube flows out the top vent hole using standard non-corrosive marine gear lubricant (Type C or suitable vintage-compatible gear oil). Replace the lower unit screw washer gaskets to prevent water intrusion.