Swabby
04-21-2025, 08:20 AM
So I have an older boat I ran for many years and am at the point where it can now be brought back for fresh water without bottom paint required. The boat is a solid fiberglass 1959 Shell Lake. Nice little barrel back with tasteful short fins, angled rear bench with a split bench for walk thru in front. Long ago I was running a 1150 tower of power and for a 16 foot boat she moves very well. The bottom is flat with almost 2x2 straps that trap air and plane her right out. The lower unit died and the motor was upgraded to a smaller yet older 1962 800. The hurricane took her out of commission and has been that way since coupled with the move. I did find a "new" tower of power to run year and hp were unknown at the time. Turns out to be a 70s J block dropped on a different mid section/lower unit...
The plan has been to graft that block into the destroyed 800 housing/midsection. Thus essentially stuffing a bigger motor under the hood. However, a new idea has come to light. . .
I may have found a mark 78 dockbuster to put it in instead, and thus the questions....
Will a 70s L6 mercury run in reverse if turned the reverse direction with a starter?
How much HP would a direct reversing lower unit take?
How difficult would finding a proper pitch prop be?
The plan has been to graft that block into the destroyed 800 housing/midsection. Thus essentially stuffing a bigger motor under the hood. However, a new idea has come to light. . .
I may have found a mark 78 dockbuster to put it in instead, and thus the questions....
Will a 70s L6 mercury run in reverse if turned the reverse direction with a starter?
How much HP would a direct reversing lower unit take?
How difficult would finding a proper pitch prop be?