25" where a 20" was?

[frasier2]

I curently have (HAD...) a 99 Merc 200 EFI. Ran it out of Oil last summer. (Yes I know I am a Dumbass, but the alarms did not sound.) My mechanic said it needs a new shortblock. For what he and others want to fix this engine I would rather buy a good used one. I found a very nice 2003 200 EFI saltwater for a very nice price, but it has a 25 inch shaft and my current has a 20". When I look at where my current engine sits, and do the calculations taking into account jack plate and bolt holes I should be able to set this 25 on there and get the prop in the exact same vertical position, just a little further back than it was. I asked the guys on Bass Boat Central and got very fast NO NO NO..... don't even try it from some, but a few guys seemed to think they were already running 25" shafts on factory setups and thought maybe it would be O.K.

Any thoughts?

Anyone interested in the rest of my 99? Mechanic said he would buy it from me for parts but would not say how much yet!


Thanks
Jim

[power of one]

Your centre of gravity will be way out with the powerhead up in the sky it will work like a pendulam and trying to get a good set up will be hard i have done this too cause the engine was cheap had to short shaft it became twice the boat keep looking plenty of engines on the market . :thumbsup:

[frasier2]

Thanks! Most people have told me NO, but your the first to explain why not. That makes more sense to me. I will keep looking.

Any idea what my old engine is worth?

Thanks again
Jim

[Maple Leaf]

Keep you old mid and lower and buy a new/used power head.

[samari]

I agree with maple leaf just get a powerhead.

Where in wisconson are you? If it's not too far I'm interested in your powerhead or complete motor. I could help swap powerheads if needed I have done my share.

[frasier2]

I am in Rhinelander. About the center of Wisconsin, an hour or so south of the Upper Peninsula of Mich. My problem right now is I really don't have the $$ to invest in the powerhead. I am toying with putting the whole righ up for sale and starting over next spring.

Where are you?