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My tug boat currently (no pun intended) runs on a 12v Minn Kota trolling motor which is cut in half and the power unit is installed forward beside the wheel. It works fine but now my son wants to start using it for fishing, and as the lakes out here are considerably larger than the pond that I lived on I was thinking of converting to an outboard:

So...what is the smallest outboard that I can make run from the helm? You know what I mean? I have the ships wheel in the front (duh!!) and I have a teleflex steering cable going to the rear/back/stern...but all of the ones I look at look like those outboards that they used to use on Flipper..you have to hold the tiller to make it go...

Steve

PS...an old one would be good as I think it would be less expensive!

I have a dead nuts verticle stem so I don't want too many ponies...maybe 5hp or 9?

Do I win anything? I finally came up with a question you guys have no clue how to answer !
Steve

Welll.....

You can convert anything if you have the desire and the patience. I don't know specific models that may be already setup for it, but with access to a decent workshop I am sure you could make pretty much any outboard suitable for remotes, particularly the smaller ones. Go take a look at a few available second hand with an interest in how much "casting" there is available around the relevant areas to be able to attach cables, brackets etc.

The throttle is usually rotary (twist grip), so you will likey need to make a quadrant of some sort to fit the shaft and a bracket to hold the cable outer. FNR normally already has a handle, so just need to modify to take a cable fitting and fit a bracket to hold the outer.
Steering is more problematic, with geometry to think of and somewhat more beefy requirements than the others. Basically though, attach a quadrant or just an arm solidly enough to attach a steering cable and away you go.

See... we can answer any question.

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By the time I have built a boat, I'll be ready to build a boat....

OH trackhappy did I fail to mention that I am lazy?? I want something off the shelf...don't make me work for it...sheeeesh...I have a wife for that!

Thanks, I get the idea...I will have to probably fabricate something...I just thought that someone would know of a particular old brand and size that would have parts on the shelf just set up for such a thing!

OH well...

Thanks

STeve

PS...yes, you actually DID answer the question! Star on your forehead!

The smallest I have seen set up from the factory was 5hp. 10hp is an easy one as there are lots of those. Anything smaller than that and I'd imagine you'll have to be un-lazy for a day or two and make it work

George

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I Peter 2:17

Does this get me a gold star????

http://mercuryperformance.com/16840a-at ... 24401.html

Note that the description says 4/5hp not 45hp. Not sure yet what models though.

Pretty sure this fits the current Mercury 4HP 2 Stroke FNR. I have one at home, can check the fittings, but from a photo of one on Ebay it looks like they are amde for it. Not sure how far back they would go as far as earlier models though.

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By the time I have built a boat, I'll be ready to build a boat....

I can't answer a question if I don't know what you are describing, even though I think I do do. But a picture would help. But if you are asking how small of an outboard that you can use steering and remote controls, well I know for a fact that my small yamaha 8 has set ups for side mounted cables and the bracket which accepts even the cable and drum setup.

You know the drill. Post pictures of what you are attempting to rig for the mentally impaired, me!
Actually most of us was not aware that you owned a boat other than one that fits in the bathtub anyway.

Oyster! You leave my rubber duckies out of this ! ! !



STeve