how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

[udoittwo]

Thanks for the info on what can be done to improve performance of my brother-in-laws jet drive. Apparently, not a lot. Again, it is a 2003 or 05[can't remember] 50 hp Suzuki jet. It has very few hours and is in excellent shape. He lives a mile aways from a wide shallow river that his jet is perfect for but he wants to go faster on open water also. He wants to sell his jet and buy a similar HP prop motor. I would like to see him keep his motor, IF it the lower unit can be switched to prop. Can it be done relatively easily to the point that after a few times, he might be able to switch back and forth as needed? IF it can be done, what would be a decent price for a lower unit.
Bottom line, what would you do or could do, understaning that he is on a faily low buget with a nice motor allready?
Thanks again for your time and any thoughts,
Karl.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

I know of at least one guy who switches from jet to prop a couple times/year depending on where he's fishing. Requires separate lower units but that has to be cheaper than a complete new motor.

 

[84toyota]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

It is very easy to swap lower units from jet to prop and vice versa. Once you've done it a few times, it can be done in about 30 minutes (1 hour max). The biggest issue that you'll have is that you'll need to raise/lower the motor when swapping units. Jet units usually require that you raise the motor about 6 inches, in order to get the jet intake near the bottom of the boat. So when you put the prop lower unit on, it will be 6 inches too high. Folks that swap units will generally rig their boats with a jack plate, which allows the motor to be raised/lowered as needed.

Ken

 

[udoittwo]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

On my motor, I have changed the water pump a couple times over the years. It really wasn't too bad to drop the lower unit. Should it be roughly as hard as that?
So, it isn't much more than having a compatible lower unit, unbolting the jet and bolting up the prop?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

As already said, it's not difficult. You have 2 options on height adjustment, use a jack plate, or use a Bay kit. The Bay kit is a spacer and assorted items needed to extend the lower unit the 5 inches for the prop.

 

[gm280]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

How about adding a pneumatic jack plate and then even when he has the prop lower installed he could raise the O/B and run (slowly) through the sallower water...

 

[84toyota]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

Swapping the jet to the prop lower unit generally consists of removing 5 or so bolts. Depending on if the engine is set up with remote throttle and shifting, you'll have to disconnect the gear cable. The jet unit should drop down and be easily removed (unless it's rusted/seized up somewhat. The prop lower unit may need to re-use the water intake tube from the jet lower unit (depending on make and model). The prop lower unit is slid into place, replace to 5 or so bolts, hook up your shift selector rod (should be a little access panel on the side of the outboard, down on the side somewhere. Then if it is a remote throttle/shift setup, hook up the cable to its appropriate location further up on the motor.
Really not too difficult. The biggest issue is making sure you get the proper shaft length on the prop lower unit, and then a mechanism for raising/lowering the motor to accomodate the different lengths.

Ken

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

Tiller or console set up? 20 or 15 inch transom? need to Know this before help. Pics of that setup would help YOU. Swapping lowers are easy, performance is another thing.

 

[udoittwo]

Re: how hard is it to switch lower unit from jet to prop? Can it be done at all?

Hello again,
I don't even know if he would like to do the swap or not. Basically, I am trying to see if it is possible first and then give my brother-in-law some possible options to going out and buying another motor. Right now, I'm just gathering info. IF he thinks it may be a good idea, then I will come back to this forum with specs and we'll see what's next.
Thanks you all again for your help so far,
Karl.