What’s involved in upgrading to Verado?

[mckinney004]

Looking to repower my Lund after my 1993 mariner 175 died. I found a good deal on a 06 Verado 200 hp. What would be involved in converting/replacing the controls etc to work with a Verado? Any idea on cost of parts? Planned on getting a similar motor to the one that died, but this deal puts a 4 stroke in my price range as long as controls aren’t too pricey. Thanks!

 

[dingbat]

You basically have to start over.

DTS controls, smart craft gauges, new main harness, etc.

 

[mckinney004]

I talked to one dealer and they mentioned adding hydraulic steering. Is that required, or optional? Boat currently has cable steering. What do you mean by main harness? Any idea on cost if I do it myself?

 

[QBhoy]

You’ll need hydraulic steering or anti feedback for sure. You don’t need smart craft gauges...but would be nice.
New remotes and you’d be off to a good start. Is the transom strong enough for it ?

 

[mckinney004]

Transom should be fine. Handled the 175 fine and is rated for 200. Haven’t seen any weakness in it.

Looks like hydraulic steering is around 1000 for parts to DIY? What could I get a set of controls up and running for cost wise? I don’t care about anything extra right now like gauges, just bare minimum to get it working and on the water for now.

 

[mckinney004]

While we’re on this subject, the motor I’m looking at is a 06 200 hp Verado. From the reviews I’ve seen it sounds like a good reliable motor. Any known issues with these that I’m unaware of?

 

[Faztbullet]

Make sure you have a Verado dealer close by as some Merc dealers cannot service these....

 

[dingbat]

What could I get a set of controls up and running for cost wise? I don’t care about anything extra right now like gauges, just bare minimum to get it working and on the water for now.

looks like $1,300 to $1,400

 

[QBhoy]

Transom should be fine. Handled the 175 fine and is rated for 200. Haven’t seen any weakness in it.

Looks like hydraulic steering is around 1000 for parts to DIY? What could I get a set of controls up and running for cost wise? I don’t care about anything extra right now like gauges, just bare minimum to get it working and on the water for now.

Seen the steering cheaper than that here in the U.K. I’m sure.
About the transom. I haven’t checked and I know the new merc 4 strokes are much lighter these days...but chances are it’s maybe heavier than the old 2 stroke ? The rating of 200hp on your boat would be a 2 stroke rating most likely.
With regards to how good they are. I recently talked to a very good merc guy who was 2 stroke bias all his days. Until these things came into his shop and since he has been servicing them years after. He is astounded at how good they are. Bomb proof by all accounts. Says the same about the smaller 75-115 2.1 litre engines too.

 

[jimmbo]

The Verado is a lot heavier than your old 175. I would rebuild the 175 or get a Remanufactured powerhead.

 

[mckinney004]

Thanks for all the info guys. I’m fortunate to have a merc dealer about 10 miles down the road. I’ll have to check on the Verado certification. I may swing the boat by there and see what they say when I get a chance. I’m trying to do as much of the work myself as possible to save on cash, but an estimate wouldn’t hurt, along with any suggestions.

QB: As far as weight goes, I think it’s about 100 lbs heavier than my current motor. I’ve always understood the rating was geared more toward the power than engine weight (within reason). And on cost, I’ve seen a few kits online cheaper than 1000, but most are rated for 150 hp or less. Looked like the 200 hp rated kits were significantly higher.

Dingbat: just to clarify, you’re thinking $1300 just for the throttle controls? No steering?

Another question I had... the motor is on a pallet at the dealer who swapped the motor out for the current owner. Is there a way to test run these things before buying? I know it’s not as simple as an older motor. The guy swears it’s fine and has printouts from the computer, but I’m leery of spending a few thousand on something I can’t see run first. What is common practice on buying these bigger newer motors used in terms of test runs? Sorry for the dumb questions. I’ve been around outboards my entire life, but this is my first real venture into the high HP and newer 4 strokes.

 

[mckinney004]

Anyone have any input on that last part?

 

[dingbat]

Dingbat: just to clarify, you’re thinking $1300 just for the throttle controls? No steering?

Yes, controls only.

Verado is a digital, fly by wire motor. Gauges are digital was well thus the need for smart craft gauging.

Assuming you are looking for a slim binnacle type control:

1.) 8M0079498 RIGGING KIT - DTS - SLIM CONSOLE $1447.17
This kit includes Slim Console ERC, Command module kit, Four way junction box,
Boat harness to connect fuel tanks and paddle wheel and Accessory Power Relay
harness. The CAN pad features engine Start/Stop button, Dock mode button, Helm
transfer button, Throttle only button, and a Mercury global dimming button. The trim
function is located on the port handle.

2.) As you have a 2006 engine, you will need to swap out the command module with P/N: 891661T05. $261.22

3.) Next you will need a harness of correct length to go from the motor to the helm controls.
892451Txx $230+-

4.) The DTS system requires it's own power and harness to carry it.
Harness P/N: 8M0113732 is 15' $77.79

6.) The most basic instrumentation is the SmartTach SC1000.
8M0101097 w/ White Face (also available in black or grey face) $394.15
859074 Black Bezel (also available in white or chrome trim) $4.24
You may need a harness extension to reach your junction box, this is 8M0058668, $27.02

7.)Power Steering System
892380K11 $1356.48
Complete Power Steering Rigging Kit that includes the Power Steering Module (12
ft. lead), Std 40 CM3 Helm and engine signal harness 20 ft. in length. Hoses need
to be ordered separately Cylinder to Helm kit and Power Module to Helm Kit.