|
|
Posts: 278
Location: US | So im replacing my old worn out mariner with a newer Johnson. The new motor comes with controls and the dealer would charge $450 to mount the motor and install the controls in my boat. Is that money well spent or is it easy to install new controls? Im mechanically inclined, raced cars for years, so im sure i could figure it out, just dont know much about boats. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 864
Location: NE Ohio | what HP? sounds pricey to me! how much just to mount the motor? would require transom drilling and filling of the old mariner holes to a waterproof condition. controls aren't that hard, just frustrating at some points to get them through the hidden areas. but i'm fussy as heck and a neat freak, so i like it perfect. sounds to me you could handle it with no problem though. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 278
Location: US | Thanks, they are both 90hp motors. |
|
| |
|
Location: Eastern Ontario | If you haven't bought the Johnson yet Mariner to Mercury would be more straight forward and you might be able to use your old controls and gauges. The switch to Johnson shouldn't be difficult if you have access to some sort of chain hoist or engine hoist. If the mounting holes don't match and I don't think they will ( mine didn't a few years back when I went Merc to Suzuki ) you will have to plug the old holes with dowling and seal before drilling new holes. With shop rates around here around $100 dollars an hour the quote is about right, but you say you are handy so it's just your time and not that difficult. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 556
| I swapped out Johnson to MERC last spring---Both 70hp models---Took 3 of us--but we lifted the motors off and on ourselves---Plugging the holes was easy-----Control mounting was time consuming and a pain---But nothing you couldn't do----Took some time but not all that difficult. Saved myself some $$$---We completed the job over the course of a 2 day weekend with no problem. |
|
| |
|
Location: Eastern Ontario | If the boat is old enough to have worn out a motor be sure your transom is absolutely sound before you do all the work. The wood in the transom may need replacing |
|
| |
|
Posts: 278
Location: US | Thanks for the input guys. The transom seems sturdy if you put leverage on it with the engine lifted, but I'll be sure to check it out a little closer. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1283
| Didnt they standardize the mounting holes in the 80s sometime? Thought bolt size may be different but the holes should be in the same place?? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 278
Location: US | The guy i talked to at the dealer said they should match up but i haven't verified that. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 283
| I would say go for it yourself, it took two of us to install my 2000 70hp last year but only because of the weight/bulk of the motor. The actual install is relatively simple, especially if you take your old one off. Keep an eye on that VRO, I just went through hell and back with mine and finally switched out the VRO pump for a traditional one, runs better than ever now. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 278
Location: US | Yeah i'm planning on doing it myself. The docks are being removed from the public access now anyways, so time isn't a real concern. After taking off the mariner, i did notice one of the holes through the transom is soft so i may as well replace that. Winter project i guess! |
|
| |
