Convert Mariner 15hp from 15" to 20"?

[ThreeSummers]

Convert Mariner 15hp from 15\" to 20\"?

I have a 2-stroke short shaft (15") Mariner 15hp motor, which is used to power an inflatable boat. I'm in the finishing stages of building a bigger boat, but it requires a long shaft (20") motor, which I have not got yet, and will be expensive.

Is there any way that the Mariner can be extended to 20"? Maybe a conversion kit or something? If so, where can I get one?

That way, I can use the 15 for a while until I buy the bigger lump eventually intended for the boat.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Re: Convert Mariner 15hp from 15\" to 20\"?

I'm sure its possible but will probably be stupidly expensive.

Short shaft 15hp always sell well, why not stick it on ebay and buy a more suitable engine with the procedes ?

Is it possible to stick the engine on a drop down outboard bracket to lower it untill you fit the correct engine later ?

Hows the build going, its looking fanatastic, but no new piccies for over a month /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[ThreeSummers]

Re: Convert Mariner 15hp from 15\" to 20\"?

[ QUOTE ]
Hows the build going, its looking fanatastic, but no new piccies for over a month /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Going well, thanks. Drilled/cut 33 holes in it yesterday, for routing steering cables (ordered wrong size, aargh!), mounting cleats etc. Spent most of the day sanding. Aching today.

No new pic's 'cos the builders' forum won't allow me to upload any more, but they are trying to resolve it for me. In the meantime, I have others hiding on another server.

Here's one...

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: Convert Mariner 15hp from 15\" to 20\"?

Alternatively the spacer and longer drive shaft, gear rods and water pipes may be available on e-bay. They aren't items you're likely to get stung on as they are all pretty static, unlike buying a complete s/hand outboard which usually turns into a nightmare. Some dealers like http://www.billhigham.co.uk/ have sheds full of older spares from dismantled motors.

 

[VicS]

Re: Convert Mariner 15hp from 15\" to 20\"?

As others have indicated feasible but probably expensive.

The leg itself will probably just need an extension piece. You'll also need the longer drive shaft, the longer gear shift rod and the longer water tube.

Maybe worth looking out for a knackered long shaft version to cannibalise and it may not have to be exactly the same size engine or exactly the same year. You would have to be careful to check that the parts were interchangeable though. A friendly local repair shop might be worth contacting. Or advertise in the hope that you'll find someone with a long shaft that they want to swap for a short shaft.

Never heard of conversion kits I'm afraid.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Re: Convert Mariner 15hp from 15\" to 20\"?

Its looking really great, so many home builds end up as unfinished junk. Shes going to be a boat to be proud of.

I live near Bill Higham Marine, he has got 200-300 engines in a variety of states. Give him a ring he should be able to help, I think the 15hp Mariner is the same engine as the 15hp Mercury-so these parts might fit as well.