1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

[I Mow Grass]

I have a 1977 Johnson 85HP(85EL77S) which does not come with power tilt/trim. How difficult and expensive would it be to install power tilt and trim on this boat? I have come to realize it would help out tremendously.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

Ebay, craigslist or here at iboats http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Parts_Ac...414--keywords.tilt trim--**********.384790971

It really depends on the type of boating you are doing.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

Mostly kneeboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing. We just need more kick for the people skiing, seeing that one guy is 6'8 280pds.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

The correct PT&T for your motor is in short supply due to the fact that the series ended in 1977 and that newer units will not fit your mid-section. If you do find a complete unit with the gauge, solenoid box and wiring harness, you will need to remove the tilt assist cylinders and replace them with standard shocks.

You might want to consider a CMC PT&T as an alternative.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

Dang, because without the power trim it makes it very difficult to get a skier up, constantly manually changing the trim kind of sucks.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

Your transom brackets should accept the newer trim system. 1977 started the newer type trim system. The early ones used a 3 wire motor and had a remote box which mounted under the splashwell of the boat. In 82 they changed to the 2 wire motors and did away with the old solenoid and switched to relays. You need to make sure when you get a trim unit that you get the right control box with it.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

If you go to the parts diagram for your specific motor you will find that the 20" standard midsection on both the 1977 115HP and 85HP acceped only the PT&T used on recreational V4 motors between 1973 and 1977. The standard 20" midsection was only changed on the the 140 V4 in 1977.

See the PT&T diagram on your model for the correct parts.

http://shop.evinrude.com/

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

Your transom brackets should accept the newer trim system. 1977 started the newer type trim system. The early ones used a 3 wire motor and had a remote box which mounted under the splashwell of the boat. In 82 they changed to the 2 wire motors and did away with the old solenoid and switched to relays. You need to make sure when you get a trim unit that you get the right control box with it.

Nope, it was '78. As was mentioned you'll pay dearly for a used OEM unit. They go for around $400 on eBay. I know because I searched for one for years before giving up. The CMC unit is really expensive but it has the upside of holding it's value really well. If you get a newer boat in a couple years you can probably resell the CMC for close to what you paid for it.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP power tilt/trim

Ezeke, you were right, I looked at the 140. That is a problem, as these older trim units are really scarce and it's hard to find one in good working order.