And one more thing I did not realize.
After doing more research---my understanding is that these early 80's 4 cylinder 50hp 2 stroke mercs are often called "classic 50s". And while the 50HP version ended some time in the mid 80's (1986?) that, similar 4 cylinder outboards continued to sold as 45HP until 1989 and that a 40HP version continued for as long as 1995.
And many of these later models appear to have used BIA pattern brackets with power tilt trim between the brackets. I found a few examples online.
So does this mean if I really wanted to I could transfer later model BIA pattern brackets onto my lower drive? Or maybe transfer my good head unit to a later model lower drive? Is that a realistic possibility?
Here is a picture I clipped from a video with a motor that looks just like mine with BIA pattern brackets and power tilt and trim between the brackets--- just what I would need to fit that fancy jack plate.
