Re: FORCE/Johnson Outboard Swap
It's not really as difficult as you might think. You just need to do it a step at a time and not get frustrated. The steering is standard so it would remain. Three men and a boy can lift off the Force but an engine hoist is the best bet. If you can't get one, make an A frame out of 2x4 legs and a 2x6 cross bar. Use a come-along to lift the engine--It's only about 275. The Rude however is heavier and would best be lifted with the A Frame for safety.
You bolt it to the transom. Set it so the cavitation plate is even with the bottom or the point of the VEE. Since the controls, cables, fuel fittings, and electrical are different, you must swap them also. With a little help from your friends, and saving the beer for later, you should be able to make the swap in about 4-5 hours.
I have a lift and by myself, I can swap Force engines in a little over an hour, but there I don't need to change controls and electrical. If I need to swap with a different brand, 2-3 hours.
