Re: 86 Ranger Bass boat
I have a 1986 373V BMC. The only OB I could afford was a 1996 Force 120/ 25" shaft. I used it once at that length with a jackplate. On my ob, there was an extention section in the engine housing. I removed it, cut the drive shaft down 5", cut the shift shaft down 5" and the water tube down 5". Had a very reliable welder weld the shafts back together. I proved them out to be true on a 3000 rpm lathe. Repacked the lower unit and rebuilt everything. It works like a champ. The motor will work but leaves more of a chance of dragging it through the mud or hitting something. I drug my first run through the mud and was lucky to not have hit anything. A tall jackplate will help bring it up. Mount it in the bottom hole also.
