Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

[Rotti]

Hello,<br />just got me that beautifull motor... want to use it on a ZODIAC Futura and thats why Id like it to have a power trim unit, which isnt fitted right now. Which power trim units would fit on that motor, do the older ones fit as well? Id like the unit to be just bolted on without any welding or other heavy machining... Im asking this because I can only search for these items overseas and it would be a mess to buy something that wouldnt fit on my motor! The Merc is a shortshaft with a plastic cowl that still folds around the motor (it has not a one-piece cowl that you have to lift off)! If anybody in here has something like that laying around in his shop- please make an offer!<br /><br />greetings,<br />Rotti

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

If you can't find a merc power trim, you might consider an after market type. I've never used one but they sound good. for example<br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=10001&classNum=517&subdeptNum=240&storeNum=6

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

PS<br />Do some searching, I'm sure you can beat West Marine prices.

 

[Das Boot]

Re: Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

Hello Rotti;<br /><br />I have a 40hp, 4 cyl Mariner on a Zodiac MK3 GT without power trim, i'm able to get suitable performance with the selected motor position and a hydrofoil (about 33mph at 4900 rpm)<br /><br />I was thinking the aftermarket trim units would set the motor too far back on the transome.<br /><br />I was also thinking of ditching the hydrofoil for a set of "smart tabs"<br /><br />Further i have just purchased a used Futura MK2 with "speed tubes" I intend to use a 30 hp 3 cyl Mariner (with a hydrofoil) on this boat.<br /><br />I'll let you know how i make out.<br /><br />By the way does your Futura have the 2 chrome inflation valves which you can rotate to fill different parts of the boat from one valve? <br /><br />If so i'd love an explanation as to how they operate<br /><br />Cheers;

 

[Rotti]

Re: Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

Hello "Das Boot"-<br />thanx for your replie! I did use these hydrofoils on several inflatables and the only benefit I could get from them was a better trim while operating the boat at displacement-speeds below 12 knots! And unless you dont have a power trim on your motor you cant even get these small benefits at all! What is a fact is that on each and every RIB or SIB I put them on I lost at minimum 3-4 knots topspeed due to the increase in drag- Im through with these things, threw them all away! Next: I dont want to install an aftermarket unit because it should be possible and cheaper to find a matching used one on ebay sooner or later- the only real reason for buying an aftermarket trim is that you can keep it when you sell your boat and that itll safe you some money when buying your next rig because you dont have to spend the bucks for pt again! Im still chewing on this since I change my boats very often- its just the way I like boating......<br />My Futura MK3 is an older type, it was produced in 1988 and the tubes are still made from Hypalon rather than that PVC-Strongan they started to use from 1989 on.... My boat has 4 of these chromed valves, which divide the main tube in 5 chambers. Each of these valves has a setting for inflating the boat and in 180° it has the setting for operating the boat. When you set all valves to the inflating position, all the section inwithin the tubes are linked together, so you can fill the complete tube just by using one valve and get exactly the same pressure in all sections! When youre up to 260 mbar, you simply disconnect the airpump, close the valve with its lid and rotate all valves 180° for setting them to operate position, means all the 5 air chambers in the main tube are separated from each other now, so that a leak in one of them will not inflict the two chambers beneath it! Thats how these valves are meant to be operated. Where are you using your boat? Do you haul it on a trailer or do you really take it apart after each trip?<br /><br />greetings,<br />Wolfgang from Germany

 

[Keith Buchanan]

Re: Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

Your transom mount will accommodate the power tilt unit without any modification...<br /><br />W.W.T.W. Regards Keith B..

 

[Das Boot]

Re: Which power trim will fit on 1989 3-cyl. 50hp Merc?

Hello Rotti;<br /><br />Thanks for your reply, that is an interesting observation on hydrofoils, it has given me something to think about.<br /><br />Also thank you for the explanation on the Futura inflating system.<br /><br />We are very close to crossing the line into the Boat Catagory Forum here, i'll post my e-mail and if you are interested in pics and discussing Zodiacs further please mail me.<br /><br />dredfern@nbnet.nb.ca<br /><br />And thank you Keithy B....... I thought an aftermarket trim would set the motor too far back<br /><br />Cheers;