78 mercury 800 trim kit

[Cmac2008]

Im redoing stringers and transom currently but im trying to get a jump on one of my major expenses. I currently have a 78 mercury 800 80hp. I dont know much about the motor. My next step is to pressure test the lower unit.(after the grinding of fiberglass) im trying to do my research on this motor. My question is what type of trim/tilt can i get for this motor. I have seen alot out there but im not sure which is the right one. Thanks!

 

[GA_Boater]

Mercury used to make an add-on power TnT system, but it's been years since it was offered. Today the best choice is an aftermarket unit. Panther and CMC seem to be ones used most often. The iBoats store sells both or you can search Ebay or Craig's list for used units.

Here is the store link - http://www.iboats.com/Power-Tilt-Tri...view_id.217149

 

[Chris1956]

Your other choice is a used original PTT unit. It consists of a pump/reservoir that mounts in the boat, two trim cylinders that mount outboard of the transom clamps, two trim brackets and 4 hydraulic hoses. if you could find a used PTT unit in good shape, it will be expensive.

 

[GA_Boater]

If you are lucky, you might find a parts motor with a complete PTT unit, including the control. The same PTT Chris described was used on many Mercs and often a blown motor is cheaper than finding the PTT by itself. It all depends on luck.

 

[Cmac2008]

Ok so what size motors will ptt will fit my 800? Does it have to be another 800 same year or will multiple ones work?

 

[Buckischloo]

I am working on this myself. I have a couple of projects going for which I have been gathering power trim parts. I have a 1976 85 hp and a 1973 50 hp that I want to put power trim on. As mentioned, I suggest you look for a similar vintage bad motor that comes with trim. Part by part can become expensive.

I have gathered parts both ways. I found a trim unit on CL further away for $75 and arranged to have it shipped. Once I got it, I found it did not have all of the hardware I would need, ie no transom brackets, bolts, rods, springs etc. I have since gathered the needed hardware from E_AY but I try not to think about my total investment now.

Recently I bought a locked up 140hp with trim complete for what I felt was a reasonable price, $150. This will be much more cost effective since everything is there and all I have to do is move it over. I hope to recoup most of my cost by parting out the rest of the motor.

At one time, somewhere in the forum someone posted the installation manual for the trim unit which was helpful for gathering parts. Unfortunately I could not find the thread and my local copy is in jpeg format.

The manual lists two installation guides:
45 thru 70 models and 80 Short shaft models
80 Long shaft through 150 (In Line) models

This should give you an idea on which motors to look for.

 

[Buckischloo]

I can't help with exact years but you will want to stay in the 70's range. I have a early 80's 35hp with trim and that system is completely different. You may be able to scour the Mercury parts diagrams for a range of years.

 

[Chris1956]

If you look on the crowleymarine web site, you can figure out the years of that PTT unit. I would expect it will be the same from the early 70s to the early-mid 80s. The inline 4 and 6 cylinder transom clamps were the same, so 80 HP and above inline 4/6 motor PTT in those years will fit.

 

[Cmac2008]

For some reason noone will sell me their lift off of their boat