Remote Control, Fuel Tank and Battery Mounting

Remote Mounting

The best location seemed to be inboard of the old control location.  I had the old control mounted through the deck with a bezel around it.  However, the new control was more complex and larger and would not fit in that location.

I decided to make a step pad out of the bezel that surrounded the old control.  I purchased a rubber welcome mat from Home Depot and used the ribbed backside.  I plugged the old remote hole in the deck so the rubber step pad would be supported.  Some silicone adhesive to secure the rubber to the bezel and reinstalled the bezel to cover the old remote location hole. 

With a little shimming the control clears the steering wheel and coaming at full throttle. 

 

I searched for a video on how to hook up the remote cables and wiring into the motor as the manual offered nothing except "see your dealer". Turns out the side panel can be unbolted giving access to the cable hook ups and wiring connections.  Then the rubber grommet can be massaged around the cables and wiring, and then panel reinstalled.

Battery Mounting

I added some slats on top of the battens to support the battery box.  I purchased some flat strap cleats to anchor the strap to secure the battery box.

The strap was screwed down to the boat in one spot so it could be easily cinched tight.  Several zip ties were used to secure the wiring as it was about three times as long as needed for this little boat.

Fuel Tank

I also added some slats on top of the battens for the fuel tank to sit on.  Flat strap cleats were screwed in, and a buckle strap used to secure the fuel tank.

The fuel tank was mounted so the vent could easily be accessed when the hatches are opened.

Boat is back on the water and the motor is going through its break in period.  The electric start is a terrific convenience, the power trim helps with getting the boat on plane and adjusting motor tilt depending on load and conditions.  Can't wait to get the break in hours over with so I can run it like I stole it.  I'm really pleased with the power and the quietness of the new motor.  I can actually talk with a passenger while powering along at 24 miles per hour.  I just ordered a tachometer so I can see what the motor is doing and decide if the standard prop is the right choice.   The boating season is just about over here in northern Michigan, but I'll be ready to go again in Spring.

Merc Downloaded, Suzuki Uploaded

 The new Suzuki arrived in about a week.  Due to a recent operation, I was on a 10-pound lifting limit.  Even taking off the old Mercury was not in the cards for me.  However, a get together of lifelong buddies going back to Boy Scouts was in the works.  So, when we got together, I put them to work.

From left to right, Art Atkinson, Steve Pasbjerg, Rick Donahue and Randy Chapman.

As none of us were keen on straining anything, Steve and Rick tipped up the Suzuki out of the box, onto a floor jack.  Once vertical, I maneuvered the floor jack while the rest of the crew kept the Suzuki upright.  The floor jack was able to lift the transom clamps over the transom and we lowered the motor into place.  

A bit of alignment with some kicking of the floor jack got the Suzuki in place. 

Team smiling, no muscle strains, nothing broke.

The steering hookup was a piece of cake.  Then I called it done before we broke something.  I would do the rest of the repowering job later.  I needed to figure out a place to mount a new remote control, connect and route control cables, install a battery box and battery, electrical wiring, and a new fuel tank.  

Repower Begins

 I'm in process of repowering the Work of Art.  While I love the look of the old school Mercury Mark 25 and enjoyed the positive comments about it, I find I'm not using the boat much because I've lost faith in the motor, my limited mechanical ability and the time to work on it.  I've taken People Choice Award at Torch Lake, 2nd place Contemporary at Hessel and returned again a few years later and took 1st place Contemporary.  If the motor was key to those awards, well too bad because I now find 13 years later, I need an electric start, power tilt/trim, and confidence that all is working well with only simple maintenance required.  You might say I've lost that loving feeling.

I reconnected with Bruce Lirones, the person that inspired me to build my boat.  He said he was tired of the maintenance required on old Mercury's and switched to a new Suzuki 4 stroke, electric start, power tilt trim, 20 hp outboard.  At 120 pounds, (vs. Mercury Mark 25 at 75 pounds) he said they work well on a small boat and the extra bit of weight over the old Mercury's is not a problem.  They are quiet too.  All I needed to hear.

Motor ordered, should be here in about a week.  I'll post updates as I go along.  I'll be doing the refitting and any necessary changes to the boat to accommodate the motor. 

Work of Art in the Garage Ready for Repowering Operations