Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

[doverbey99]

Hi.
I just bought my first ever boat - a previously owned 18 foot pontoon with a 2002 Mercury 25hp 4-stroke motor (25 EL, SN OT476662). I realized (being a small woman) that I need to add a power tilt. I have gotten an estimated price, installed, from a local dealer (@ $900). My son-in-law is sure he has the skills to do it. I'm trying to decide if the savings is worth it but I have no idea how to know (and find) all the parts he would need. Anything I've found on the Internet is many lists of different parts that are totally foreign to me. I'm looking for someone to tell me everything I would need to buy to get this job done and where is the best way to purchase it? Thanks for any information!

 

[will941s]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

You can get a aftermarket trim kit for about the $600 range, according to what brand you buy. Most of them come with all the parts, somewhat easier to intall then a factory kit, and alot less parts.

 

[achris]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

Merc usually do a kit for this sort of thing. Go and get friendly with your local Merc dealer and find out... If a kit is available it will have all the parts required and an instruction sheet. It's a good idea to read the instructions BEFORE the job is started...

Chris.........

 

[doverbey99]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

Thanks so much. I've gotten in touch with a Mercury dealer and am good to go. I appreciate the tips that got me started on the right path.

 

[dutchdog]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

CMC out of Duncan OK sells a trim system that is easy to install. I ordered one from a local boat dealer. Installed in less than 2 hours, worked great. 4 years without a problem. If I remember it cost about $500.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

i think you are in luck. I think the trim system for your engine is almost as common as dirt. It was used extensively on Mercury Mariner and Force outboards under 50HP. My experience has been that these units typically give about 13-17 years of reliable service. So if you buy a used 2002 in good condition then getting 5-9 years of use would be a reasonable expectation. Mercury played shell games with their part numbers. Don't be fooled. If it looks like the picture then (one piece assy, with two mounting ears on bottom) it is the right system no matter what year or HP. I expect you could get a really good system off craigslist of ebay for $200-$300. Pay attention to the mounting hardware. You want a system that includes whatever brackets and shafts you do not already have. Having to buy even small new parts from a mercury dealer can get expensive fast. Mercury dealers ell $3 automotive relays as $39 trim relays. You want to avoid their parts trap otherwise your boat can become a money pit.

 

[dutchdog]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

The CMC system bolts to your transom and the motor bolts to it. Hook up battery wires and you are ready to go. I used the toggle switch to opperate the trim at the motor and spliced into the wires and ran them to the helm to another switch. That way there was a trim switch always close at hand.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

The CMC system bolts to your transom and the motor bolts to it. Hook up battery wires and you are ready to go. I used the toggle switch to opperate the trim at the motor and spliced into the wires and ran them to the helm to another switch. That way there was a trim switch always close at hand.

I think CMC is a horrible idea. She wants tilt because the engine is too heavy and you're advising her to get a system that requires taking the engine off the boat to remount with trim. Nah. This is clearly a situation for factory trim. It cheaper, it works better, and its a breeze to install. Just hit craigslist and buy a good used one for $200. Spend an afternoon running the wires and bolting it up. More difficult that hanging a picture but much less difficult than painting a room. The CMC system is more like renovating a bathroom. It's too much work ... and it costs more ... and it adds less resale value.

 

[dutchdog]

Re: Power Trim Question from novice boater - Mercury 25HP

Sure did like my CMC system. Does more than trim and tilt. Raises the engine 3" for less drag. Works great in shallow water also. Selling boat, just take it off and use it on the next one. Replaced 2 factory trim and tilt with these. 125 force, 150 merc. Worked great on those. Put one on a 25 Johnson, 14 stick steer, boat would run between 25 and 30 mph. No regrets here.