Raising a Johnson 85HP.

[EvstaG]

I am looking to raise the motor one notch or two on my 1974 Glastron V-162 Futura. The anti-ventilation plate sits about even with the bottom of the hull, and there is a pretty significant (approx 3-4 ft high) spray when on plane. (Plus, from gathering some numbers from other threads on here, I feel as though that motor should be pushing such a light boat a little better) I have done some research on how to actually perform the task, but I do have a couple questions.

The way the motor is now (on the lowest notch) the motor "sits" on the top of the transom quite nicely. If I raise the motor, should I install some rubber blocks or other spacers, to potentially take some of the weight off the 4 bolts?

Also, raising the motor will, by nature of physics, increase the stress on the transom. The transom seems to be solid (though I am admittedly a boating newbie); however, the boat is still 40 years old. Is this something to consider when raising it?

And finally, I am assuming the lifting eye behind the flywheel is for just that?

Thanks for any advice, and I apologize if this should be in the boat forum, rather than the J/E forum, I was 50/50 on where to put it.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Raising a Johnson 85HP.

Im not sure what forum it goes on but i use spacers on mine for it to rest on and i then drill the holes.
Yes use that lifting eye.
You might want to post a question in the prop section as to if you have the right prop on in regards to improving the push you get on her

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Raising a Johnson 85HP.

If you have a lot of spray from the lower unit, it may well be bolted too low on the transom. You can't tell much about the relationship between the hull and engine when it's on the trailer. Get it out on the water. When planing, the water from under the transom should flow just under the engine's anti-ventilation plate (that wide plate just above the prop.) If it's too low, that plate will drag in the water, causing that excess spray and will contribute a lot of drag. You can move the engine up a bolt hole. The 4 bolts and the two transom brackets are enough to support the engine on the transom. No spacers/shims required. Yes, that is a lifting eye on the top of the engine.

 

[EvstaG]

Re: Raising a Johnson 85HP.

Bosunsmate- I think I would like get the motor set up ideally before I worry about propping- Plus, from what I have read in the manual and here o, the prop should be a good fit. Just have to get a tach on the unit to see where we are sitting at WOT.

Thanks you for the reply EMD, that is certainly what I was looking for.