Used long shaft engine replacing short shaft blown engine

[brooksville_rebel]

We have a 24ft Grumman Fun Ship pontoon. When we bought it used it had a 2002 Mercury 40HP ELTPO on it. Last time out the engine blew. Seized up. Think the Oil pump went out.
Looking at a used one that is a Mercury 70hp that we can afford. Its a long shaft.
I was wondering what differences that was going to make and any adjustments we'd have to make ?
The price is right for us so really hope it won't matter.
Thanks

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Normally the motor shaft on a Pontoon is the 20" long shaft. Short shaft is 15".

 

[sambrigman]

It is not a big deal to add to the transom to raise the motor,. but I would just slap that 70 and go, no problem.

 

[ondarvr]

Kind of a non issue on a pontoon boat. The correct length would be great, but if needed you could raise up without too much work.

 

[brooksville_rebel]

Thanks. I didn't really think it would be a big issue but was a little worried that it could be.
Didn't know 20" was long. Though it and below was short. At least know I will use correct terminology when talking motor matters to the "boys".
Thanks

 

[GA_Boater]

Decoding the model numbers isn't always easy. Maxrules has this chart on their finding Merc years page.





So ELPTO is Electric start, Long shaft, Power Trim, Oil injection.

The long shaft 70 should be a bolt on. Good luck.

 

[brooksville_rebel]

Thanks
Whole time thought EL stood for the Electric.
I had seen that chart once before but skipped over it. Guess I need to be more diligent in my reading while searching.
Thanks I printed it out this time.

What does bolt on mean.?

Thanks.

 

[GA_Boater]

Thanks
Whole time thought EL stood for the Electric.
I had seen that chart once before but skipped over it. Guess I need to be more diligent in my reading while searching.
Thanks I printed it out this time.

What does bolt on mean.?

Thanks.

Straight swap. Undo the 40 mount bolts and bolt the 70 on.

 

[lmuss53]

Of course the OMC motor will need OMC controls, you won't be able to use the Mercury controls. That 70 is a sweet motor for a pontoon.

 

[ondarvr]

Of course the OMC motor will need OMC controls, you won't be able to use the Mercury controls. That 70 is a sweet motor for a pontoon.

Where did the mention of an OMC motor come into play?

 

[Cat nip]

You might get some un wanted spray coming from the lower unit if the barge is truly ment for a short shaft but it will work .

 

[lmuss53]

Oops, I guess I should read better, when I saw 70 I thought of an OMC triple. The Merc 70 almost has to be a pretty old model, somewhere around the mid 80's, the 2002 controls might not work there either.

 

[brooksville_rebel]

Oops, I guess I should read better, when I saw 70 I thought of an OMC triple. The Merc 70 almost has to be a pretty old model, somewhere around the mid 80's, the 2002 controls might not work there either.

Oh man Don't tell me that ! No No No. Guess we find out tomorrow as guy is coming up to swap out the motors. I so hope your wrong. However my luck will be they won't. UGH. But hoping they do.