How to Ready a Racing Outboard

Tim Sharkey poses with, Kill Shot, the 13-foot Bullet, powered by a classic Johnson SST 60, and bedecked with supporter’s logos. Courtesy Sharkey Images

Tim Sharkey, is readying his 13-foot Bullet, Kill Shot, in preparation for the historic Statue of Liberty to Albany endurance run scheduled for September 13, 2025. The boat, which Sharkey originally helped build in 1985, and then recently rebuilt, is powered by a vintage Johnson SST 60 racing outboard.

Sharkey is a noted photographer, owner of Sharkey Images, and Boating contributor.

To help ensure success, Sharkey enlisted the help of Boating Contributing Editor, John Tiger, to tear down and rebuild the outboard to the very best specs.

Tiger, along with wife, Laura Tiger, owns Tiger Outboards, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

John Tiger, owner of Tiger Outboards, and Boating Contributing Editor, not only readied Sharkey’s engine, but possesses extensive boat racing experience himself. Courtesy John Tiger

We appreciate–and hope you do, too–the technical expertise that John Tiger contributes to Boating.  We also knew you’d be interested, so we asked Tiger to break down what is required when readying a racing engine and optimizing it for an endurance run. Check out this outline.

“As the SST-60 is basically a ‘warmed-up’ version of the stock Johnson/Evinrude 70hp of the day (1989), the engine was rebuilt stock; no modifications were made. The block was cleaned, cylinders measured for correct size and checked for taper and out-of-round conditions, then honed. Pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets and seals were all replaced with new parts. Fiber reeds were replaced with new reeds. Carburetors were ultrasonically cleaned and rebuilt with new parts.”

“The powerhead was then meticulously assembled according to the factory service manual. The exhaust housing/midsection was disassembled, cleaned and shimmed to remove any excess play and movement, to help Sharkey maintain boat control in rough water. The gearcase was disassembled, checked for wear, and resealed, with a new water pump assembly.”

Tim Sharkey installs the Johnson SST 60 racing outboard that was rebuilt by Boating Contributing Editor, John Tiger. Courtesy Sharkey Images

“After reassembly, the engine was started and run for approximately 45 minutes of break-in time on an engine stand before delivery back to Tim. Now, with the engine back on the boat, Tim can finish the break in process and begin testing set-ups for his run.”

In closing, Sharkey is also affixing supporter’s logos to Kill Shot. He asks that you give these sponsors your consideration.

Look for more updates about the Statue of Liberty to Albany run, coming soon.

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