1988 Force 125 HP power trim

[mangus]

Gents/gals,

My power trim is shot, hydraulics leak through the seals, electric motor is missing its cover, previous owner took it apart and tossed it.

I have the motor shaft so I filled the reservoir with ATF and gave it a spin with a rechargable drill. Fluid leaks out past the cylinder seals as well when I manually lift the engine up and down.

What do you folks advise?

I thought about running this summer without the power trim, just pin the motor in place etc. We'll be boating in deep lakes so it shouldnt be any real problem.
Does one need to pin the motor while going forward? Obviously it'd climb out of the water if not pinned and gassed while in reverse.

I see one can buy new motors/pumps on ebay for $300. I suppose one can have the cylinders rebuilt as well.

If one was to buy a replacement power tilt any recommendations for this engine?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
Mangus

[RRitt]

if it was my boat i would get some HVAC zip ties and strp that puppy down. But I don't ski, i don't go fast, and i don't use a trailer .... so a strapped down motor suits me just fine. Having said that - I have a unit listed on ebay now. It is easily one of the best 3 or 4 systems sold on ebay in the last 5 years. It's also my last. Force owners just don't pay me enough and there's other things I would rather do.