Want to keep my Johnson

[deedubya]

I just ripped the transom out of an old family boat, and rather than repair it (its real old) I got a nice deal on a 18' bayliner hull, no motor. The bayliner takes a 25" motor. I really liked the old 85 Johnson on my old boat, runs great, but its a 20" motor. Can I use a 20" motor on the Bayliner with some kind of transom bracket? Is this a good idea? I have the option of buying a 1985 Force 125hp also to use instead of the Johnson. How to tell if the Force 125 is a 25"? I see them used all the time on this size Bayliner Capri. Thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Want to keep my Johnson

I dont think you can use a shorter motor even with a bracket.Before going any farther check the Bayliner carefully for rot in the transom and floor.As I understand it they are notorious for<br />both. Dont bother with the Force It is an orphan with a poor reliability record.<br />Did you actually measure the transom?I wouldnt take anyones word for it.Measure your motor from mount bracket where it goes over the transom to<br />the cavitation plate.Then measure the transom.<br />The cavitation plate should be at or below the bottom of the boat.<br /> Spike

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Want to keep my Johnson

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Want to keep my Johnson

I agree measure yourself and check out that bayliner htoroughly for rot. I'd be surprised if an old 18' bayliner had a transom set up for an extra long shaft. If it is, you may be able to trim the transom down to 20".

 

[deedubya]

Re: Want to keep my Johnson

Thanks. I do in fact have 20" from the cavitation plate to the bottom of the bracket. So no Jack Plate for me, huh? I couldn't tell from the online sales literature if you could go down as well as up, it seemed to suggest so and it made some sense if you thought about how, but for the cables. Also nice to hear about the Bayliner...and the Force reliability. Is there a good way other than flex to check a transom or floor?

 

[RJS]

Re: Want to keep my Johnson

yeah,<br />that's what John Wayne Bobbit said.