Name/Title
Engine, outboardEntry/Object ID
1990.005.001Description
Outboard engine, Elto
This Elto outboard motor, model G34234, is 4 hp at 1700 RPMs, "light twin" 2 cylinders opposed, 1.5" Bore x 2 stroke. It has rudder steering, weighs 50lbs, 6 volt "hot shot" battery ignition and sold new in 1926 for $145. In the teens, Ole Evinrude sold his Evinrude Co. (which he had formed in 1909) to Chris Meyer and retired to Florida. The reason for selling was that his wife, Bess Cary Evinrude, was ill and needed to get away from the company. Bess completely ran the business end of the company while Ole ran the shop. After World War I was over, Bess recovered. Ole was anxious to return to his shop. His old company did not want him back because he wanted to make changes using a war-time spinoff technology for thin walled castings, which would dissipate heat and include great strength. Ole believed he could make outboard motors lighter and more marketable using this technology.
He and Bess struck out on their own and built a motor using mostly aluminum. Bess returned to her new desk as a partner in the new Elto Company. She was, again, the efficient manager of the day to day operations. Bess was a creative genius. She purchased advertising in boating magazines and often showed a woman carrying the new lightweight outboard down the dock. Her competition (the Evinrude Company) ad on the opposite page would show two strong men carrying their brand down the dock. Evinrude used lots of steel, brass and cast iron. The Elto used lighter weight aluminum. Of course, people bought the lighter models.
By 1929 the Elto Company bought the Evinrude Company and saved them from going under. The new Corporation was called Outboard Marine Corporation, which is still in business today.Collection
Outboard motorsAcquisition
Accession
1990.005.001Source or Donor
Spencer, KennethMade/Created
Manufacturer
EltoDate made
1926Edition
Model: Light TwinNotes
Early Date: 1926
Engine: 0.000
Cylinders: 2
HP: 4Location
Loaned to Boldt Castle Yacht House
Relationships
Related Places
Place
Building
Boldt Castle Yacht HouseIsland
Wellesley IslandCity
Alexandra BayRegion
Thousand IslandsState/Province
New York, OntarioCountry
United States of America, CanadaContinent
North America