TOPIC: Heart Transplant-- '69 Fabuglas

Fabuglas got a new thumper yesterday afternoon. Pulled the Merc 1400 from the Hydra-Sport bass boat, and hung it on the Fabuglas.
Have everything hooked up except mounting the trim-pump, and gas tank. Should be on the water next week sometime.. too much to do this weekend.

Ewwwwwww! Lucky dude!

Wish I could get a bigger motor for my Power Cat. Man o man, gotta struggle by with an old 100 horse merc.

Enjoy!

Hi,
Please do install a lower pitch propeller in keeping with the change in the hulls. "Lugging" is a serious issue with almost all outboards. Please do not "push-it", and say to yourself that it will be ok for a trip or two.
I hope you and yours have a great time!

Best Regards,
Joe
www.fergusonpoolemarine.com

Hi,
An additional thought, considering the "custom" paint work. Once everything is dialed-in, Mercury did offer in the 1976-77 time frame, three different colors of optional decal sets. One of the choices was yellow. The use of some custom yellow cowling decals might be a consideration.

Regards,
Joe
www.fergusonpoolemarine.com

Thanks for the comments Frank and Joe..

I thought about getting the earlier RED Merc Decals..



Yes, I am considering a prop-change. Right now, it's a 12.75" x 23 pitch SS . However, according to specs, my boat is only 40 lbs more than the Hydra. I have "overbuilt it" but I don't think I've "added" more than 60-75lbs. The current motor is the same weight as the Johnson 90 that was on it.

I will probably have to do what Frank has been doing- Testing props for the best performance/RPM/mileage.

I think I'll be looking for a 19 or 21 pitch 4-blade prop.

PS: Got the trim pump mounted.. now I have to refill it..
Any suggestions on what fluid to use?

Seems to me the old merc PT&T pumps take straight 30W or something similar, but newer ones take tranny fluid. Best to make sure what you have, and then maybe call the local merc place.

Frank

I think you might want a 19p. 23p is for flatter bottom hull's and speed. Love the motor and your paint job looks great, Mike

Hi,
As Mike mentions, the weight is not the only factor. From past experience, similar boats would use a 17" or 19" pitch. I like the idea of the 4-blade, and an aluminum one is pretty reasonable in a brand we sell.
Mercury recommends the use of 10W30 or their Power Trim & Steering Fluid. Their fluid is wonderful on some of their systems, as it bleeds-out much faster. Your system is more forgiving though in this regard.
The red is interesting, but I would probably prefer the yellow personally.

Regards,
Joe
www.fergusonpoolemarine.com

Ferguson_Poole wrote:

Hi,
As Mike mentions, the weight is not the only factor. From past experience, similar boats would use a 17" or 19" pitch. I like the idea of the 4-blade, and an aluminum one is pretty reasonable in a brand we sell.

Thanks Joe,

I'll have to see what my brother can cut me in Yellow.. He has a sign cutting machine. I'd have to try to match the boat though. I have some Yellow striping tape .. but it's "too" yellow- and doesn't look right against the boat.

I may take you up on the prop.. Do you take trade-ins? The current SS Lasr II is in excellent shape.

My problem is I can't buy several props trying to find the right one....