tilt and trim install

[tmryan]

I recently acquired a 1988 Bayliner cc with a 85hp Force. The boat and motor are like new like being in a time warp. The motor has no power trim and tilt. Can you guys give me your opinion as to wether or not it is wothwhile to consider putting power trim on this motor. How much of a job is it to put on this motor. Is it a bolt on or does the entire transome bracket have to come apart. How about the electrical and other changes. My problem is that I do not have access to a similiar motor with power trim to see exactly what is involved. I am hopping that someone out there has done this and I can benefit from thier experience. thanks

 

[timdan94]

Re: tilt and trim install

I put it on mine and it was worth every penny and minute that it took.
wiring is easy if you have a manual for the motor. my manual told me how to do it and I had help from here..

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=285151

 

[paw2000]

Re: tilt and trim install

I would lean more to a jack plate with tilt and trim option. The cost of an OEM setup is pricey, the oem doesn't have provision for trim gauge. You also get the benefit of adjusting the height of the motor to correct for torque steer and increased speed. Only drawback of the jack plate, is the force motor is the oddball bolt pattern. I installed a manual plate on my bayliner, and improved the overall performance of the boat.

 

[RRitt]

Re: tilt and trim install

I would lean towards factory IF - you can find a used 1989-1992 freshwater for cheap that leaves room for a $180 pump rebuild AND you do not have any problems with cavitation. The factory system works better and has higher resale value. Five years from now the used aftermarket will sell for $100-$150 and a used factory (with rebuilt pump) for $300-$400.

However, IF you have cavitation problems then I would lean towards aftermarket. The aftermarket trim use a jack plate that requires removing the engine from boat. Removing and remounting engine is a pain in butt that can also cause difficulty with cables. However, the extra space between hull and prop can reduce cavitation.

All in all, the deciding factor is probably your ability to locate or procure a dependable factory unit. The pumps only last about 20 years. There is no escaping time. If it hasn't been done yet then it probably should be before you put it onto boat.

Systems with tall square pump are the best ever put onto Force. However, Mercury used cheap fluid in factory that eats away at the seals from inside out. It cut the lifespan in half (lol, warranty plus a day) and the failure is usually catastrophic (requires major overhaul of all components). If the fluid is red then stay away from it or plan on a full $300+ rebuild. (thanks again to Darth Mercury for taking a good design a ruining it for a few extra pennies of profit)

Systems with the round reservoir and 2w motor are the safest bet. They are not quite as good of a design as the Eaton but they are before Mercury got hold of the engines. Which is to say that if you put $180 into rebuilding the pump/motor then you should get 30 years out of system.

 

[NYBo]

Re: tilt and trim install

I was in a similar situation. I solved it by picking up an entire outboard for $600 from eBay. The tilt & trim motor was brand new, and I also got 2 extra props, a set of controls, and a goodie box with wires, junction blocks, stator, and a starter. Plus I still have my other motor as a spare or for parts.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: tilt and trim install

I recommend an aftermarket Tilt Trim Unit. It bolts on between the transom and outboard and sets the outboard back 6''. There is usually enough play in the steering cable to allow for the added setback. They are available with or without the trim gauge option

By installing this unit you eliminate having to find all the needed parts to update your outboard. Then there is the fact that most used parts are just that "used". Some may need rebuilt and then you have the added expense. The CMC units have a factory warranty, are fairly easy to install, and allow you to raise the the outboard up so you so you can get the ventilation plate closer to even with the keel.

Can find them at: http://www.transom-jacks.com

See it in action here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udSAKPKHiQ

 

[RRitt]

Re: tilt and trim install

By installing this unit you eliminate having to find all the needed parts to update your outboard.

huh?
The factory trim is a bolt on unit that fits every existing 70-150 HP Chrysler Force. You don't have to change anything or remove engine from boat or anything. It's about 45-60 mins from box to water. The only "update" I can think of is that a lot of the $120 ebay specials don't include the SS strike plate that bolts onto underside of swivel.

What updates are you talking about?

 

[ddrieck]

Re: tilt and trim install

When I said updates it was more refering to upgrading the OP outboard to have the tilt trim option. One will usually spend $500.00 to $600.00 finding all the parts needed to do the job. Then when and if you can find them, most of the time there wull be additional costs to rebuild some of the uded parts.

Just my .02

 

[NYBo]

Re: tilt and trim install

When I said updates it was more refering to upgrading the OP outboard to have the tilt trim option. One will usually spend $500.00 to $600.00 finding all the parts needed to do the job. Then when and if you can find them, most of the time there wull be additional costs to rebuild some of the uded parts.

Just my .02

I guess I made out pretty well, then. And I forgot to mention the extra lower unit I got in the deal.

 

[RRitt]

Re: tilt and trim install

When I said updates it was more refering to upgrading the OP outboard to have the tilt trim option. One will usually spend $500.00 to $600.00 finding all the parts needed to do the job. Then when and if you can find them, most of the time there wull be additional costs to rebuild some of the uded parts.

Just my .02

ouch ouch and double ouch.
Nobody should ever spend $500 to $600 for Force trim system. The resale value of engine isn't enough to justify dropping $500 on trim. Even a smart shopper is going to end up spending $100ish on trim for an engine that only fetches $300. Which, IMO, is about $99 too much.

Nah, buy a freshwater used off season from ebay for $150ish. Drop $200-$250 on getting pump replaced/restored. When you're done with your boat sell the trim on ebay during summer for $300ish. You get easiest install, best performance, and lowest cost. As I said before, the only additional part is usually the strike plate simply because Ebay sellers forget to take it off the swivel bracket. If desperate you can get the brand new strike plate from mercury (F449354) for about $20.