CMC Power trim unit, good vs. bad on J-Craft

[Sutphil]

I am considering using one of these units on our 17' J-Craft with an 1989 115 Merc. The power trim motor is shot and the price to replace the motor is equivalent to the CMC PT130 unit. The boat is used for family skiing and that's it. If I can't find enough slack I may have to replace the steering cable, but will gain more tilt because tilt is presently limited by the engine cowl contacting the ski pole.
Will I benefit from the setback? Are these units durable and reliable? Can the CMC trim motor be wired into the Merc up/down trim button in the handle and can the Merc trim gauge be made to work?
Thanks,
Phil

[David]

Have you looked on the net for a trim pump? You can might do better than your local dealer.

You can buy the whole pump or the parts to repair your pump.

http://www.dolleroffshore.com/parts.cfm?c=mv&m=1

http://www.dougrussell.com/partscata...90,50,0,200,40

Or maybe buy used from someone like Inline Six

I just looked, and the CMC kit is cheaper than the whole new pump from Doug Russel.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=13581


The setback will help the J run better.

I know nothing about CMC stuff.

[150aintenuff]

fairly reliable self contained unit can be wired into standard trim switch via the 3 wires leading to it.. gauge however is a no go.. if you dont already have one replace that trim gauge with a Water Pressure gauge and just trim by RPM and speedo..

[Sutphil]

Thanks for the input. My experience with CMC was 20 years ago I bought their jack plate for a tunnel I had. Trim pump leaked and trim actuator was kinda squirrely, but I think they have since changed their design. Trim gauge would be nice on this boat because different people drive it and you can tell them where to set trim/throttle and get a decent ski.