Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

Todd Gerber

Seaman
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
64
My Merc '74 650 doesn't have the power trim or tilt unit and after just a few trips out, I can see where the power unit would be much more convenient.

Is it even practical to look for a used unit and add it to my existing setup - assuming I can find one? Or best to look for a replacement O.B. with power trim?

Thanks!
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

you can get an aftermarket like the CNC trim and tilt, but they are pricey. it work kind of like a jack plate, bolts to transom and motor bolts to it,
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,753
Re: Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

CMC unit may be cheaper and easier in the long run.
You won't be trying to fix used junk from ebay, and all the components will be new.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...048887233&session_id=109978709&view_id=221439


13002pt-130_0.JPG


note: This unit will set the motor back 6-7 inches. So the motor should be raised an inch and the steering cable may need to be replaced to reach the motor.
 

Smig

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 13, 2005
Messages
182
Re: Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

I put an original one on my '76 500 and then moved it to my '76 850 last month. It wasn't hard, but I got lucky and found a NOS kit that had most of the parts. I had to pay a pretty penny, but figured it was worth saving the props (we boat in rivers and shallow lakes) and the bad part headache. Watch out though - I also had to buy (and got lucky enough to find one from '74) a mounting kit for the 500. I'm not sure about the swivel bracket on your 650 - on my 500, it is narrower and required special bolts like this overpriced one for the lower shock mount whereas on the 800 they fit the stock shock mounts.

Take a look at this thread, I got a lot of good advice

If you decide to buy one from ebay, you may want to look for the whole thing like this or this or a complete midsection - sometimes, people part out a motor and don't know what to do with the midsection so they sell the whole thing. If you buy the whole thing, look closely at the motor it came off of and at yours - there may be a few different sized parts.

There is an outboard salvage yard in Coldwater - I called them and they wanted $485 for all of the parts. I thought that was to much for 30 year old parts!

I can go on and on - it took all winter to collect the parts, but once I had them, it was easy to install. I also have a copy of the original installation instructions so if you are interested, let me know and I can probably get you a copy.

PS: You may want to check with the moderators - this thread may belong in the Mercury repair form.
 

Todd Gerber

Seaman
Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
64
Re: Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure that I've got the funds to do so or if it's worth it on a 65hp, but it's nice to see there are options.

Smig, I've been down there - just a few weeks ago by the way. What I pile of motors. Rows and rows of them. I pickup up a set of replacement battery cables there. I'll keep you in mind if I go forward with it. I'd sort of like to upgrade to an 85 hp instead spending the money on the 65.

By the way, I didn't put this in the Merc forum since I wasn't really repairing the motor yet - it's a toss up I guess.

Thanks again,
 

Smig

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 13, 2005
Messages
182
Re: Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

Todd,
If you do add it, you'll love it especially if you boat in shallow water. It is also very nice for both hole shot and trimming out at speed (I'm not into speed, but was surprised at how the ride smoothed out when properly trimmed!)

As you can see from my signature, I decided to go for the 85 hp also - it was the best thing I could have done. If I had known when I added the trim that I was going to upsize, I probably would not have installed it. That said, it was easier finding the 85 hp knowing that I didn't need to find one with power trim.

Good luck, have fun.
Shaun
 

racefan2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
153
Re: Adding Power Trim/Tilt - Merc

The CMC unit will work perfect for you as I have one on my Rude 20HP and it makes a big difference and well worth the money and the company is very easy to contact for questions no run around just call and talk no we will call you back sometime in the neer 10,000,000,000,000,000 years :^ like some other companies
 
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