Gale Model 5S11 Outboard Motor Specs & Overview

The Gale Model 5S11 is a classic mid-century twin-cylinder outboard engine engineered by Gale Products, a former division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Renowned for producing reliable, straightforward outboard motors, Gale supplied engines both under its own nameplate and as store-brand badged models for major retailers during the post-WWII boating boom. Rated at a capable 5.0 horsepower, the 5S11 was built to offer smooth alternate-firing operation in a portable, lightweight package.

Overview of Gale Products & OMC

As part of OMC, Gale Products shared core mechanical design philosophies and manufacturing standards with sibling brands Johnson and Evinrude. However, Gale motors often featured unique styling and utilitarian controls aimed at budget-conscious anglers and boaters. The Model 5S11 features a 360-degree full-reversing powerhead design rather than a complex mechanical shift transmission, reducing overall weight and minimizing internal moving parts while maintaining simple maneuverability on small lakes and rivers.

Technical Specifications

• Model Name: Gale 5S11
• Horsepower: 5.0 HP @ 4,000 RPM (O.B.C. Certified)
• Displacement: 8.84 cubic inches
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders (Alternate firing, 2-cycle, 2-port)
• Bore and Stroke: 1-15/16″ Bore x 1-1/2″ Stroke
• Weight: 45 lbs
• Cooling System: Positive displacement synthetic rubber rotor pump
• Ignition: Built-in flywheel magneto
• Carburetor: Variable venturi
• Speed Control: Single lever synchronized throttle and spark
• Gear Ratio: 13:20
• Gearshift Control: 360° full reversing steering
• Propeller: 2 blade, 7-1/2″ diameter x 7-1/4″ pitch
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.8 gallons (Integral tank)
• Running Time: Approx. 1 hour at full throttle
• Starter: Automatic rewind recoil
• Recommended Transom Height: 15″ (Standard short shaft)

Two-Stroke Fuel & Oil Mixture Guidelines

Unlike modern outboards, vintage 2-stroke engines from this era depend on oil mixed directly with gasoline to lubricate internal bushings and bearings. Running a modern lean mixture will result in engine failure.

• Standard Fuel-to-Oil Ratio: 24:1 (16 oz / 1 pint of oil per 3 gallons of fuel, or 1/2 cup per gallon).
• Oil Recommendation: Use high-grade TC-W3 Marine 2-Stroke Oil.
• Fuel Recommendation: Use standard 87-octane ethanol-free gasoline. Ethanol absorbs moisture and degrades the vintage seals, cork floats, and internal fuel lines found in mid-century carburetors.

Maintenance & Restoration Advice

If you are servicing or restoring a Gale 5S11, follow these key procedures before bringing the engine back to life:

• Water Pump Inspection: Never run the motor dry. The synthetic rubber impeller rotor hardens and brittle-cracks over time. Replace the impeller before testing to prevent severe overheating and cylinder head warping.
• Ignition Overhaul: The built-in flywheel magneto houses coils, points, and condensers. OMC ignition coils from this period are notorious for cracking outer potting plastic. Standard universal OMC ignition replacement components fit this model and should be installed along with setting the breaker point gaps to 0.020 inches.
• Carburetor Service: Clean out varnish deposits inside the variable venturi carburetor. Replace needle valve packing glands to prevent air leaks, which can cause erratic idling or lean running conditions.
• Lower Unit Service: Drain the lower unit oil to check for water contamination (indicated by a milky emulsion). Refill with heavy-grade marine gear lube or grease suitable for non-shift gearcases, and inspect the propeller shear pin before installation.