CLE Lower

[Fast-cat]

Would someone please explain what a CLE lower unit is and what it is used for?
I have never heard of it.......
I've got a 250 xs with a torque master on it.........
Thanks

[JPEROG]

They were the high performance case used by mercury before the sportmaster was released. They have a well designed leading edge and low water pick-up built into them. Cresent Leading Edge is what cle is abbreviated for. They were typically a 1.87 to 1 gear ratio.

Joe

[90 5.0]

For what it’s worth the cle fits 2.0/2.4/2.5 engines. It wouldn’t work on your 250xs anyway.

If you need a low water pick up style lu, your options are a sport master for a 3.0l style engine or coning your torq master.

IF you need one that is.

[Fast-cat]

Thanks Guys!
Knowledge is a good thing! Being new to high speed boating (not boating in general) I'm also new to different style outboard lowers.......for instance, I see 250xs and 300xs outboards with really short mid sections and sport master lowers....... How does that work? In m mind jacking UP the outboard to get it higher in the water for speed, also must put tremendous pressure on the jack plates and transoms.........with a shorter mid section, the engine wouldn't have to be so high - lower center of gravity, and less torque on backplate and transom..........is this true? Also what do you call those really short midsections and what are they worth? Thanks again!

[rock]

Most outboards are 20" whereas the ones you are talking about are 15". There are also 12" but not as common. Your performance assumptions are correct.

Rock

[Fast-cat]

Thanks for that Rock!
I'm assuming also, that this will change the shaft length of the LU and thus the change to a shorter midsection will include changes to the LU. Can you buy "stock" sports master LU with shorter shaft lengths? If so where do you find these parts? I haven't been able to find them anywhere online........

Thanks guys!

[90 5.0]

Thanks for that Rock!
I'm assuming also, that this will change the shaft length of the LU and thus the change to a shorter midsection will include changes to the LU. Can you buy "stock" sports master LU with shorter shaft lengths? If so where do you find these parts? I haven't been able to find them anywhere online........

Thanks guys!

im not 100% but I don’t think merc ever made a 15” 3l mid? All the ones I’ve seen are custom, so you would need to buy a lu and have shaft cut.

[rock]

There is a gentleman on the site that makes them. They are cast and not cut down. Might be Jonny Milles maybe. Do a search and if you have no luck pm me and I will find him.

Rock

[vnemous]

ToddD at Wicked Powerboats makes the 15" 3 liter mids.

https://madefi.com/shop?olsFocus=false&olsPage=products%2F15-drive-shaft-housing-for-3l-and-3-dot-2l-mercury-conversion-b8e340a4-2471-414a-a622-08caccc8b2d4

[Fast-cat]

Thanks to all for your help!
I will give'm a call!