repowering 1986 mercury 35hp with 1980 mercury 80hp.

[red85k100rs]

I have a 1986 bass tracker TX17

It is under powered with a very good running 1986 mercury 35hp
The 35 is original to the boat with a Dole Tilt setup.

I started removing the 35hp and the shift linkage looks different.

The 80hp shifter looks like the shift linkage is mounted horizontal traveling horizontal


The 35 hp looks like the shift linkage is mounted vertical traveling horizontal

Do I need new controls or am I missing something?
I thought easy swap out..... Silly Me

 

[red85k100rs]

also will the Dole tilt handle the 80hp
It's a hand pump operated unit.

 

[racerone]

I think you need to look very carefully.------Same control box works on both as far as shift is concerned

 

[Scott Danforth]

boat is only rated for a 45hp

you will be over-powered with 80hp

http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Tracker_by_Tracker_Marine__Tournament_TX__1986/bp/66b97444

 

[red85k100rs]

no, boat is rated for 80hp max

 

[red85k100rs]

Help Re-powering 1986 Bass Tracker TX17 35 to 80hp

I have a 1986 Bass Tracker TX17 with a 35hp merc original to the boat when new.

First the boat is rated for 80hp max so that's what I got. 1980 80hp.

I am looking for insight, things "not" to do.

Looking at the mounting brackets are totally different mounting holes.

The 35 has lower mount holes about 6 inches below top of the transom, and the top mounts are inside pressure bolts (like thumb screws)

The 80 has top mount holes @ 3" and bottom mounting holes (there are 4 of them) Start about 8", 8 1/2", 9", 9 1/2"
I am pretty sure, the bottom mount holes will be below the water line,
I got a tube of 3M marine 4200 sealant.
There is a plate mounted on the outside of the transom, its maybe 3/32" screwed to the transom.
Do I replace it to cover the holes, or plug them with?
What grade bolts, Stainless?

I plan on using the controls from the 35 I am pretty sure I have that figured out.
What size fuel line from the tanks to the motor will the 80 need?

 

[red85k100rs]

The bass tracker is 17' aluminium fishing boat, the 35hp is way underpowered, it does ok unless its windy. Then it struggles to even get on plane.

Flat calm no wind WOT 24mph on gps (I may be of a little it was last year) it's no speed demon for sure!

Boat does not leak any water at all.:joyous:

 

[Scott Danforth]

why are you starting another thread

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...ring-1986-mercury-35hp-with-1980-mercury-80hp

 

[red85k100rs]

why are you starting another thread

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...0-mercury-80hp

because I asked a different set of questions
That thread was about linkage
this was about transom mounting and fuel line requirements.
I should use the same thread?
I don't want to make anyone mad, tha'ts how all the forums I belong to work. start a new thread for new questions.

And by the way the link you provided stated the max hp as 80 not 45
There is some blead over but clearly states 80hp as does the tag on the boat.

Thanks for all the help