1985 Merc 50hp - Remote to Tiller

[Cubman]

I bought an old bass tracker with a Mercury 50hp remote steer outboard on it. I would like to replace the hull with a large flat bottom jon boat hull. I would rather have a tiller motor; How involved is the swap? Is it possible? I did some searching on Google and came across a kit, but it was $500.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Look for a blown motor you can take the parts off of.

 

[heman]

damn.. first i've heard of this request..

Is the steering setup still good? can i buy your steering setup off you? i have a little 15hp Yamaha tiller and been looking at trying to get a remote steering system up instead.

 

[richg99]

There are plenty of folks who would like to trade a tiller for a remote....Either parts or the whole engine. Just advertise enough and you will find a good deal. They may even pay you. Rich

 

[LonLB]

It looks like E-bay is a pretty expensive source.

Not sure on the Merc's but it sounds like at least with the OMC motors, they are pretty interchangeable between years and HP ratings.

I'm thinking about doing the same. Converting a 65hp Johnson to tiller.

 

[Cubman]

No, my controls are shot. I have advertised on Craigslist, but I have never even seen an older 50 tiller around here. They must not be popular. Not sure what to do at this point, except drive around looking for one.

 

[richg99]

With all of the boating sites out there...I'd join a bunch and post an "engine wanted for parts only" -- Want to Buy--- adv..

Somebody has one sitting in a garage taking up space. You just have to find them. Bass Boat Central; Walleye Central etc. Muskie guys also would use that engine in smaller lakes. regards, Rich

 

[PartsMan]

I have been looking for a bigger tiller motor too.
The only ones I can find are 60s old and short shaft.