Gale Model 35D12 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

Overview of the Gale 35D12 Outboard Motor

Gale Products, a division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), produced reliable, high-performing outboard motors throughout the mid-20th century. Positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to OMC’s flagship Johnson and Evinrude lines, Gale outboards shared many robust internal components with their corporate siblings. The Gale 35D12 is a classic late-1950s twin-cylinder, two-stroke outboard that delivers a strong 35 horsepower, making it an ideal power plant for vintage runabouts, aluminum utility boats, and family cruisers.

Key Technical Specifications

• Model: Gale 35D12 (35D11 series)
• Horsepower Rating: 35.0 HP at 4500 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Operating RPM Range: 4000 – 5000 RPM
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, 2-port, alternate firing twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Bore & Stroke: 3-1/16″ x 2-3/4″
• Displacement: 40.5 cubic inches
• Gear Ratio: 12:21
• Gearshift: Forward – Neutral – Reverse (F-N-R)
• Propeller: 3-Blade, 10-3/8″ x 13-1/4″
• Cooling System: Positive and centrifugal synthetic rubber rotor pump
• Ignition System: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Concentric float type with adjustable fast and slow speed needle valves, automotive-style choke
• Speed Control: Twist-grip control with synchronized spark and throttle advancement
• Starter: Automatic rewind recoil starter
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (separate remote tank)
• Estimated Running Time: Approx. 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours per full tank
• Weight: 123 lbs (dry, less tank)
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (standard short shaft)

Fuel Mixture & Lubrication Advice

Because vintage two-stroke outboards rely on oil blended directly into the gasoline to lubricate internal crank bearings and cylinder walls, proper fuel preparation is vital for engine longevity:

• Fuel-to-Oil Ratio: A standard mix of 24:1 is recommended for vintage 35 HP OMC/Gale powerheads from this era (1 quart of oil to 6 gallons of gasoline, or 1/2 pint per gallon).
• Oil Type: Use high-quality NMMA-certified TC-W3 two-stroke marine outboard oil. Avoid modern automotive oils or non-marine two-stroke oils.
• Fuel Type: Whenever possible, use 87-octane ethanol-free gasoline. Modern ethanol-blended fuels attract water, degrade internal rubber carburetor components, and accelerate corrosion inside vintage fuel tanks.

Maintenance & Restoration Guidelines

Restoring or maintaining a Gale 35D12 is straightforward thanks to its simple design and wide interchangeability with contemporary OMC parts. Follow these key steps to ensure reliable operation:

• Ignition System: Pull the flywheel to inspect the breaker points, coils, and condensers. Original OMC/Gale ignition coils from this era are notorious for cracked outer resin coatings that cause spark failure when warm. Replace cracked coils, set breaker point gaps to .020 inches, and install fresh spark plugs.
• Cooling System Overhaul: Never run the motor without a fresh water supply. The synthetic rubber impeller in the lower unit must be replaced during any restoration, as old rubber hardens, set-sets, or disintegrates over time, risking catastrophic powerhead overheating.
• Carburetor Rebuild: Disassemble and thoroughly clean the carburetor body with solvent. Inspect the high-speed and slow-speed needle valve tips for grooves. Replace needle packing washers to prevent vacuum leaks, which can lead to lean operating conditions.
• Lower Unit Gearcase: Drain the lower unit oil and check for signs of water entry (milky color) or metal shavings. Replace the fill and drain screw fiber washers, and refill with standard 80W-90 marine gear lubricant.