1994 Playbouy... is this mariner engine a good choice?

[Mel85CJ]

We have a 1994 Playbuoy 20' "challenger" (model name) pontoon.
We got it last season, used it all last season, and since memorial day this year (we trailer)

It came with 40hp force outboard with tilt.. the motor cowl says "force by mercury" on it.
It starts up and runs fine, though we had to fix some sort of internal tab that was essentially having us run on one cylinder, and now is fixed but need re-timed. The tilt also suddenly stopped working right at the end of the day on our last outing... fortunately we have a bunk trailer that is high enough that we don't have to tilt it for trailering... might be something simple to fix though.

The boat is rated up to having a 75hp on it. I would like more hp so we could at least tube with it.. it is really a slow ride now.. plus maybe a we can get more rake on the boat to keep the front end up a little more, all the big wakeboard ballasted boats lately make giant waves in the lake we take it to.

There is a (open-bow runabout) boat locally with a 1985 75hp mariner on it. The tilt/trim is not working on the motor, that is supposedly the only thing that is wrong with it. Which, I think we could fix ourselves (hubby is pretty handy, but isn't the greatest at the internets, lol, hence my posting).

I have attached a picture of the potential boat with the motor....
our plan is possibly get the boat, switch the motors, then resell the boat.

I have a few questions:

- Will the controls be compatible?
- Is this a long enough shaft motor?
- Anybody have any experience with this motor? It is a 3 cylinder 2 stroke.
- I would think we would need to change the prop...opinions?
- Any experience with tilt/trim problems on this motor.

Thought, comments, opinions... if you think this is a stupid idea, let me know... if you think it is a solid opinion, let me know. If you think that I am totally missing something in this whole scenario, let me know..

Thank you
Melanie

[Bamaman]

If I was re-engining a boat, it'd be with a really good, trouble free outboard motor--preferably a 4 stroke motor. I wouldn't want to put a 30 year old motor on any boat as chances are that troubles are in your future.

The condition of the Playbouy pontoon is of the utmost importance, and they're high quality hulls. (They're the predecessor of the current Tahoe brand boat.) If it's really sound and has great seating, etc., go for a modern generation outboard engine.

Brand new 50 hp to 75 hp motors run from $5K to $7K not including controls. 75 hp motors are a lot stronger than a 60 hp motor--more cubic inches. See JacosMarine.com--a big internet seller.

[Mel85CJ]

The boat is in good shape. Thanks for the vot of confidence on the brand.

We dont have thay kinda coin... I love the 4 strokes.. my family has one on their 'toon..

So you would say leave well enough alone?

[RobZ71LM7]

You should be able to find a used, newer 2-stroke or 4-stroke for a good deal with lower hours. Sometimes though it's cheaper to just switch boats.