Removal of 1989 9.9 Sailmaster with remote controls and electric start

[Trp34]

Hello,
I just bought a sailboat with a 1989 Evinrude 9.9 extra long shaft outboard with remote and electric start. I want to remove the engine so I can take it home to work on (sailboat is a Cal 2-27 on cradle). The motor is mounted on an OMC Auxiliary mount and has the Remote Starting kit junction box (with starting solenoid). Disconnecting the the electrical system from the boat appears to be a lot o f surgery so I'd like to know the most efficient way to sever the main cable between the boat and engine. Pulling the harness from the engine looks difficult, and so does disconnecting each wire from the junction box (it is in a rather inconvenient location in the bilge of the boat). Any suggestions?

 

[kbait]

Can you unbolt the whole junction box/key switch and remove it all still wired-up?
If not, I’d test compression/spark on boat..if good, remove lower unit to replace impeller/gear lube at home, install it later, and test run on muffs.. if carb is gummed/remove and service/reinstall/test.
Good luck!

 

[Trp34]

Your suggestions are where I am currently. The motor is 8' in the air and not in the most ideal position to work on. Previous owner died, but was very conscientious and I don't suspect many problems. I plant to do all your suggestions, but would rather work at home. Also, muffs will let me run engine, but won't tell me how it runs under load. Once the boat is in the water, everything gets harder. The storage facility the boat is at does not have docking, and my slip is 50 miles up the St. Clair river above the Bluewater Bridge which has a very stiff current, as much as 6mph.

 

[oldboat1]

Holland boat, eh? It shouldn't be too hard to unhook the motor harness at the box (take pictures to ease reassembly. Use the pull starter for testing/tuning at home. You may need to wire it to a battery to keep from burning out the rectifier.) That looks like it might be a quick release mount, not sure (and not sure if that makes things any easier for you).

 

[Trp34]

Yes. PO bought boat a dozen years ago and sailed it single handed to Lake St. Clair. Balsey move if you ask me. Guy was a real craftsman - completely restored cabin in teak. A few things to finish, but boat is a gem, especially for being 44 years old.

 

[oldboat1]

Wow. A sailboat in the Straits would do it for me. Not sure a 9.9 would buck the currents if you lost the wind.

 

[Trp34]

I'm told the current is much slower along shore, will have to talk with some local sailors. Boats from the Port Huron Yacht Club go under the bridge to race in Lake Huron every week so there is certainly a way to get there. Don't think it's advisable to attempt to do it under sail which makes a reliable motor a requirement. Originally, I thought I'd carry my Mercury 9.9 as a spare, but if I cant get the Evinrude off when it's sitting in a cradle, no chance doing it on the fly. I'm now considering cutting the harness and adding heavy duty connectors so I have a quick disconnect. Can't believe Evinrude would supply a junction box that makes it so hard to remove a 9.9hp motor. Would make a nice service call for a mechanic I suppose.

 

[oldboat1]

That's right -- had forgotten about the race (Chicago to Mackinac too).

Think I would take a ladder to the boatyard, and take a close look. Might be easier than it appears -- either removal on the boat side or the motor side. You have a nice setup there.

 

[Trp34]

The previous owner really went to town on the interior. This is my biggest boat to date. Should make a nice floating cottage. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[oldboat1]

Very nice! Will turn some heads.