newbie engine swap question

R

rguy

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
13
We have a 1995 20' Misty Harbor pontoon boat with a short shaft Force 75. The lower unit recently gave up the ghost; however, I aquired a Force 85 very cheap. I am planning on removing the 75 and installed the 85. My concern is the 75 is a short shaft and the 85 is a long shaft. how much of a problem will it be running the long shaft 85? Do I need to raise the engine or will it even matter?

Thanks.

Rob
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,762
Re: newbie engine swap question

Your pontoon should have had a long shaft motor on it to start with so putting one on now will benefit you. Mount it full down.
 
Boss Hawg

Boss Hawg

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1,433
Re: newbie engine swap question

Silvertip said:
Your pontoon should have had a long shaft motor on it to start with so putting one on now will benefit you. Mount it full down.
Click to expand...

Thats what i was thinking reading your post -
How did your pontoon do with the short shaft motor :confused:
 
R

rguy

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
13
Re: newbie engine swap question

Silvertip said:
Your pontoon should have had a long shaft motor on it to start with so putting one on now will benefit you. Mount it full down.
Click to expand...

thanks for the info.

Unfortunately, the 75 and 85 have different mounting holes. How much of a problem is drilling 4 more holes in the transom?

Will that weeken the transom too much?
 
J

jasperpso2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
100
Re: newbie engine swap question

my mercury didnt require i drill any holes... it is a compression mount using a c-clamp like transom clamp.. there are two other places visible on the wood area of my transom where other motors have been mounted, wouldnt think you would have a problem.
 
Boss Hawg

Boss Hawg

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Joined
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Messages
1,433
Re: newbie engine swap question

rguy said:
Great!

Once I verify good compression on the 85hp, I'll start the swap.

Thanks.
Click to expand...


Be VERY sure you do that ;)
I bought my pontoon with a Johnson 115 told that all it needed was a water pump----wrong--one cylinder trashed :mad:
I'm about to pull it & install a Johnson 110 - Sure glad i had one :rolleyes:
Good luck on yours-----:)
 
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