Change remote engine to tiller style, is it possible??

[ModularMisfit]

I have the opportunity to pick up a 1963 40hp Evinrude bigtwin that runs excellent for basically nothing. It is a remote engine and I will get all controls/cables and linkages for the remote set up (it is currently on a 14' semi-v). The problem is, I have a 16' extra wide/deep Lowe Line jonboat thats not set up for a remote outboard. Is there a way to either change the outboard to a tiller, or use all the hardware to make my boat a remote set up? I would not know where to begin on setting up the cockpit area. Or is this all more trouble than its worth? My boat currently has a 1970 25hp Evinrude tiller. Thanks for any and all replies in advance.

 

[ModularMisfit]

Re: Change remote engine to tiller style, is it possible??

My boat currently does 24mph by GPS, is the weight of the 40hp going to negate the 15hp gain in power?? I did a search and I see I may be able to use my 25hp tiller handle. So I guess which is smarter, convert to tiller or convert boat to remote set up?? thanks again.

 

[TN-25]

Re: Change remote engine to tiller style, is it possible??

The tiller handle from your 25 will not fit your 40. You can install a tiller handle from a 28-horse 1962-64, 33-horse 1965-70, 40-horse 1960-76 (commercial 40 through 1983 or even 1990).

Some boat manufacturers offered an accessory remote steering kit that had a little console that mounted on the back of the seat in front of the driver (Mirro Craft comes to mind; see attached image). It shouldn't be hard to make your own if you have the means.


With an adapter you could run a single cable, tube-type steering system that mounts on the corner of the stern, and a single adapter mounts to your 40.


I found some old obsolete OMC part #s for the parts you will need on a 40 for different steering systems:

For the OMC Rotamatic steering system (see thumbnail below) you will need 1 each of 2 parts: 172645, 172644 (the preceding parts are common to all old 28, 33, 35, 40 and early 1958-68 V4s if you decide to scrounge used motors for parts), plus 381387 (also common to 90 & 100-horse V4s 1965-68, not 1964).

For the OMC rack & pinion steering system you will need 1 each of the following part #s:
172251 (required on all motors 28-horse through 125-horse spanning the years 1958-72), 381987 (common to motors spanning 80 - 100-horse V4s 1965-68), 381471 (also required on all early V4s 1958-68)

I realize that the OMC parts are something you probably can't run down and purchase at the local BRP store, but that is why I gave the motors they interchange with in case you pick over some parts motors that may have been converted to those steering systems over the years. I'm sorry but I don't have pictures of those parts.

 

[TN-25]

Re: Change remote engine to tiller style, is it possible??

... which is smarter, convert to tiller or convert boat to remote set up?? thanks again.

Your Jon boat is 16" so I doubt a 40 will upset the balance too much. You could run it either with a tiller or remote console. I would think a remote console would help distribute the weight better (a significant plus) and keep you drier than if you sat in the stern and got sprayed.

 

[ModularMisfit]

Re: Change remote engine to tiller style, is it possible??

TN-25, first thanks for the great answers. Which steering system do you think is the safest? The single tube system, isn't that the newest? I am not at all familiar with the rack/pinion system. Yes i agree, having myself more forward on the boat would be a big plus, especially for putting around in areas that i fish that have a fair amount of non prop friendly things in the water.

 

[ModularMisfit]

Re: Change remote engine to tiller style, is it possible??

Went ahead and got the motor today. Left the pulley style steering system on the boat but swiped the ignition box and throttle/gearbox control/cables. Now I am looking for a newer style steering system. Anyone have any links? Thanks.