Cable Steer System to Older Tiller Pulley Motor

Sunken Ship

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 19, 2014
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I am looking at a 2000 boat with a 2000 50 HP Johnson that has a cable steering system with power trim integrated into the motor. This 2000 Johnson motor is completely destroyed, but I have a good 1975 40 HP Evinrude that I could like to put on this boat. Will my 1975 tiller pulley steer motor work on the newer boat?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
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28,226
It can be made to work---sort of. But you won't like it. The steering arc will be greatly reduced, making docking a pain. And it probably won't tilt up all the way without something binding and/or breaking (read danger if you hit a submerged object). There are such things as a cable mount that goes below the motor that MIGHT solve the tilt problem, but the arc problem remains.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
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Apr 3, 2002
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curious -- great deal on the 2000? recall you were working on the '75, and have it on a rig.
 

Sunken Ship

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Jun 19, 2014
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Not really a great deal, but better than what I have now. The lower rod went through both sides of the block on the 2000 50HP Johnson-pontoon boat. I was thinking of using that 2000 Johnson as an anchor and putting my 1975 40 HP on the pontoon then sinking my boat hull (1971 15 ft; Steury). However, at $3000 for the pontoon that looks like it has been parked outside most if the time and the problem of switching my motor over, it sure doesn't seem worth money or hassle. I would like to get a nicer boat for my family though...need more room on deck.
 

oldboat1

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Apr 3, 2002
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well, mounting on a pontoon would probably be no problem. Good time of year to make offers.

edit. 2000 55hp tilt and trim, lower unit, etc. probably worth some interesting money for parts resale.
 
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Sunken Ship

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 19, 2014
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The shaft length looks good at 32-33" on our motors, but the power trim on the pontoon's motor and the cable steering made me wonder if I could make it work. I would certainly be machining some parts to make my motor work with the steering/trim setup. Another concern was where to park the pontoon. My Driveway is already full and the pontoon is too wide to fit on the side of my house. As a result, the pontoon would have to go into storage. I asked what it would he would take cash "today"....$2700. I don't like to haggle or insult with offers that they may deem as "low balling", so I politely declined. We were pretty far off on price and the other factors mentioned to waste any time.

When it is time for us to put away our toys for the winter I might find something. Decent looking 1988 bass boat with a blown motor just popped up for $1500...thinking on that one now.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
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Apr 3, 2002
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need a motor with tilt and trim, and a bigger driveway :). It's all fun.
 
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