Gale Model 22DE12 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Gale 22 HP (Model 22DE12) Outboard Motor Overview

Gale Products was a division of the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), known for producing reliable, hard-working outboard motors from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. Operating as OMC’s budget-friendly arm, Gale manufactured outboards under its own brand name (Gale Buccaneer) as well as house-brand motors for major department stores and catalog retailers, such as Montgomery Ward’s Sea King. The 22 HP Gale 22DE12 represents a classic mid-range OMC powerhead design, offering impressive torque and electric-start convenience for mid-sized aluminum boats, wooden runabouts, and utility craft of its era.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 22DE12 (and related 22DE10 series)
• Horsepower Rating: 22.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Engine Type: 2-cylinder, 2-cycle, alternate firing
• Displacement: 32.6 cubic inches
• Bore and Stroke: 2-3/4″ Bore x 2-3/4″ Stroke
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Float-feed with adjustable high-speed and low-speed needles
• Starting System: 12-Volt Electric Start with automatic rewind manual backup
• Gearshift: Full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R)
• Gear Ratio: 12:21
• Cooling System: Combination rubber blade displacement and centrifugal water pump
• Propeller: 3-blade, 10-3/8″ diameter x 12-1/2″ pitch
• Weight: 125 lbs. (dry weight, without fuel tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (Standard Shaft)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.0 Gallons

Fuel-to-Oil Ratio & Maintenance Advice

Because vintage OMC/Gale powerheads of this era rely heavily on bronze bushing bearings alongside needle bearings, running the correct fuel mixture is critical to prevent engine damage.

• Fuel Mixture: Mix high-quality TC-W3 2-stroke outboard oil at a ratio of 24:1 (1 pint of TC-W3 oil to 3 gallons of 87-octane non-ethanol gasoline, or 1 quart per 6-gallon tank). Do not run modern 50:1 lean mixtures on these classic powerheads.
• Ignition Service: The flywheel magneto typically uses standard Universal OMC ignition components (coils, points, and condensers). Set point gaps to .020 inches and spark plug gaps (Champion J6C or equivalent) to .030 inches. Re-insulate or replace cracked vintage coils to prevent spark loss when warm.
• Cooling System: The rubber impeller in the gearcase pump assembly hardens or sets over time. Always replace the water pump impeller before putting a long-stored motor back into service to prevent overheating.
• Lower Unit Lubrication: Drain the lower unit and inspect for water intrusion. Refill using standard marine high-viscosity gear lube (80W-90 or dedicated marine hypoid gear oil). Always use fresh drain plug washers to ensure a watertight seal.

Restoration & Project Tips

The Gale 22DE12 is a favorite among vintage outboard enthusiasts due to its mechanical simplicity and broad availability of OMC-compatible service parts. When restoring an electric-start model, pay close attention to the vintage starter wiring, solenoid, and battery cables, as corroded connections cause significant voltage drops. The dual adjustment carburetor (high-speed and low-speed jet needles) allows for fine tuning under load, making this 32.6 cubic-inch twin a smooth, reliable runner once properly dialed in.