Gale Model 22DE17 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Vintage Gale 22DE17 (25 HP) Outboard Motor Overview

Gale Products, a division of the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), manufactured reliable, workhorse outboards during the mid-20th century. Renowned for sharing core mechanical design principles with Johnson and Evinrude outboards, Gale motors—often sold under names like Buccaneer or branded for major department stores—offered high performance at a competitive price. The Gale Model 22DE17 is a 25-horsepower, twin-cylinder outboard engineered for medium-to-large runabouts and fishing boats. Featuring an optional electric starter, full forward-neutral-reverse gearshift, and a generous 35.7 cubic inch displacement, this engine represents classic 1950s OMC design and durability.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: 22DE17 (and related 25 HP variants)
• Horsepower: 25.0 HP @ 4,500 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating RPM Range: 4,000 – 5,000 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders, alternate firing
• Bore and Stroke: 2-7/8″ bore x 2-3/4″ stroke
• Displacement: 35.7 cubic inches
• Powerhead Type: 2-cycle, 2-port system
• Gear Ratio: 12:21
• 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- and low-speed needle valves
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle via twist-grip handle
• Gearshift: Full Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R)
• Starting System: Electric starting with automatic rewind manual backup
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (remote pressurized or pump tank depending on setup)
• Weight: 126 lbs. (excluding fuel tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (standard short shaft) or 20″ (long shaft model)

Maintenance, Restoration, and Fuel Mix Guidelines

Restoring or maintaining a Gale 25 HP outboard is a rewarding project due to the wide availability of cross-compatible OMC parts. To keep this vintage motor running smoothly, keep the following mechanical tips in mind:

Fuel/Oil Mixture: Vintage OMC/Gale powerheads of this era rely on bronze bushings and plain bearings that require a richer fuel-to-oil mixture than modern outboards. Run a 24:1 ratio (1/2 pint of quality TC-W3 2-stroke outboard oil per gallon of gas). Always use non-ethanol, unleaded fuel whenever possible to protect fuel lines, carb diaphragms, and vintage gaskets from chemical deterioration.

Ignition System Tuning: The built-in flywheel magneto uses standard dual ignition coils, breaker points, and condensers. Inspect the coils for cracking, which is very common on original units. Clean and set the contact point gap to 0.020 inches. High-voltage ignition components from standard OMC 22, 25, and 30 HP models of the era generally bolt right in.

Cooling System Care: The combination displacement and centrifugal pump utilizes a flexible rubber impeller. Never run the motor dry, even for a few seconds, as this will destroy the rubber blades. Before launching a resurrected motor, drop the lower unit and inspect or replace the water pump impeller. Ensure the intake screens are clear of marine growth and debris.

Carburetor & Adjustment: The float-feed carburetor features high- and low-speed needle adjustments. For initial startup after a rebuild, gently seat both needles and back the low-speed needle out 1-1/2 turns and the high-speed needle out 3/4 to 1 turn. Fine-tune both needles under load while idling and at wide-open throttle (WOT) to achieve a smooth idle and crisp acceleration without bogging.

Lower Unit Lubrication: Drain and refill the gearcase annually using a quality marine lower-unit gear lubricant (80W-90 non-corrosive GL-4 marine lube). Replace the drain plug washers to prevent water intrusion into the gear housing.