Gale Model 25DL19 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of the Gale 25DL19 Outboard Motor

Gale Products, a division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), holds a legendary place in vintage boating history. Known for producing rugged, reliable, and straightforward outboard motors, Gale manufactured engines under its own label as well as for major store brands (such as Montgomery Ward’s Sea King and Goodyear’s Sea-Bee). The Gale Model 25DL19 is a classic mid-1950s 25 HP two-cylinder outboard that delivers strong, dependable performance, drawing heavily from the mechanical designs shared across OMC’s famous mid-century lineup.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: 25DL19
• Horsepower: 25.0 HP @ 4,500 RPM (OBC Certified)
• Operating Range: 4,000 – 5,000 RPM
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders
• Bore & Stroke: 2-7/8″ Bore x 2-3/4″ Stroke
• Displacement: 35.7 cubic inches
• Powerhead Type: 2-cycle, 2-port, alternate firing
• 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 needles
• Speed Control: Synchronized spark and throttle, twist grip control
• Gearshift Control: Forward-Neutral-Reverse (F-N-R)
• Starter: Automatic rewind recoil starter
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (separate tank)
• Weight: 115 lbs. (without tank)
• Transom Fit: 15″ or 20″ options

Fuel Mix, Maintenance & Restoration Guide

Restoring and maintaining a Gale 25 HP outboard is a rewarding project. Thanks to shared engineering with contemporary Johnson and Evinrude models of the same era, replacement wear parts remain accessible today.

2-Stroke Fuel-to-Oil Ratio: For standard operation, vintage OMC engines of this displacement use a 24:1 fuel-to-oil mix (1 quart of oil per 6-gallon tank, or 1/2 pint per gallon). Always use modern TC-W3 rated 2-stroke marine oil combined with fresh unleaded gasoline. Whenever possible, use ethanol-free fuel to preserve original rubber seals, diaphragms, and cork carb floats.

Ignition Service: The universal OMC flywheel magneto system on this motor utilizes standard dual ignition coils, dual breaker points, and condensers. Check and set the breaker point gaps to 0.020 inches. Old green plastic coils from this era are frequently cracked and should be replaced during a tune-up.

Cooling System Maintenance: The cooling system utilizes a rubber impeller housing in the lower unit. Never start the motor out of the water. If the motor has sat unused for a season or longer, inspect or replace the rubber water pump impeller before running to prevent engine overheating.

Carburetor & Lower Unit: Disassemble and thoroughly clean the float-feed carburetor. Adjust the low-speed needle valve first for smooth idling, followed by the high-speed needle at wide-open throttle. Drain and refill the lower unit with modern 80W-90 non-detergent marine gear lubricant, checking for water intrusion or failed prop shaft seals.