Gale Model 22D12 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

The Gale Model 22D12 is a classic mid-sized 2-stroke outboard motor produced by Gale Products, a division of the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Designed as a rugged, economical alternative to OMC’s flagship Johnson and Evinrude brands, Gale outboards—frequently sold under the “Buccaneer” badge or private store labels—built a strong reputation for mechanical reliability, simple operation, and easy servicing.

Rated at a solid 22.0 horsepower, the 22D12 utilizes OMC’s proven 32.6 cubic inch twin-cylinder powerhead. Equipped with a full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R) gearshift, twist-grip speed control, and a pressure-fed remote fuel tank connection, this model represents mid-1950s outboard engineering at its finest—offering plenty of power for family runabouts, fishing boats, and utility craft.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 22D12 (also applies to 22D10 series)
• Horsepower: 22.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Cylinders: 2-cylinder, alternate firing
• Bore & Stroke: 2-3/4″ Bore x 2-3/4″ Stroke
• Displacement: 32.6 cubic inches
• Powerhead Type: 2-cycle, 2-port
• Gear Ratio: 12:21
• Gearshift Control: Full Forward – Neutral – Reverse (F-N-R)
• Propeller: 3-blade, 10-3/8″ Diameter x 12-1/2″ Pitch
• Cooling System: Rubber blade combination displacement and centrifugal water pump
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Float feed with adjustable high-speed and low-speed needle valves
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle with twist-grip handle
• Starter: Automatic rewind manual starter
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.0 Gallon remote tank
• Weight: 110 lbs. (without tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (Standard Shaft)

Fuel Mixture & Oil Recommendations

Because mid-century OMC engines rely on internal bushings and roller bearings that require heavy lubrication, do not run modern lean fuel ratios (like 50:1) in this motor. Doing so will lead to excessive wear or powerhead failure.

• Fuel/Oil Ratio: Run a 24:1 mixture (1/2 pint of oil per 1.5 gallons of gasoline, or 1 quart [32 oz] of oil per 6-gallon fuel tank).
• Oil Type: Use a high-quality TC-W3 Marine 2-stroke outboard oil.
• Fuel Type: Use 87-octane unleaded gasoline. If possible, use ethanol-free gasoline to protect vintage fuel system rubber components and prevent phase separation during storage.

Maintenance & Restoration Tips

If you are restoring or commissioning a Gale 22D12 that has been sitting idle, pay close attention to the following key areas before pulling the starter rope:

1. Ignition System Tune-Up:

The flywheel magneto houses dual ignition coils, points, and condensers. Green OMC ignition coils from this era are notorious for cracking over time, allowing moisture to cause spark loss. Replace old cracked coils with modern OMC/Sierra replacement coils, set the breaker point gaps to .020 inches, and clean all ground contacts.

2. Cooling System & Water Pump:

Never start this engine dry. Before taking the motor to the water, drop the lower unit and inspect the rubber water pump impeller. Even if an old impeller looks whole, the rubber hardens with age and loses elasticity. Replace the rubber blade impeller to prevent overheating and powerhead scoring.

3. Carburetor Rebuild & Adjustment:

The float-feed carburetor features independent high-speed and low-speed needle adjustments. Clean out dried fuel varnish, replace the cork or modern synthetic float, and inspect the packing washers behind the needle valves. A good baseline adjustment for initial starting is 1 to 1.5 turns open on the low-speed knob and 3/4 to 1 turn open on the high-speed knob, fine-tuning once the engine is at operating temperature under load.

4. Lower Unit Gearcase:

Drain the lower unit oil and check for water intrusion (milky oil or pure water coming out first). Refill the gearcase from the bottom drain hole upward using standard marine Hypoid 80W-90 non-corrosive gear lube until oil overflows from the top vent plug hole. Replace the fiber drain plug washers to ensure a watertight seal.