Originally Posted by
Tim Kurcz
Hey Anthony,
Your approach looks great! Simple and beefy is good - I'm likewise concerned about the shallow pitch adjust angle. Here are close images of my improved Parker which weighs in at 32-1/2 lbs including foldable steering bar. Hopefully there's something in here which might help. Features are:
1) Readily available conventional Merc clamp & swivel with 5-1/2" choke (retains factory grease zerc).
2) 45SS style horizontal pitch adjustment uses 3/4"-16 thread just as you have selected. Allows 16 through 20 degree transom angle.
3) The lubricated (grease zerc) 6061 T6 thrust yoke is the lower pivot.
4) The thrust bracket bolts into existing Merc features and free floats.
5) Tower structure is laser cut tig welded PNO steel, a grade about half way between 1018 and 4130. The pivot tube is 4130.
6) A precision welding jig delivers driveshaft centerline accuracy to +/- .003" The tower and thrust bracket are powder coated.
7) Stressed, open structure allows easy access to powerhead and gearcase attachement hardware and cooling fittings.
The only downside for any fabricated tower is the time involved to make one. The first one was about 80 hours design and build. Laser cutting of features (including holes) and construction of a welding jig (about 8 hours) brought production down to about 20 hours each for the 7 built this winter. The good news is they should last 35 years or so!
The 7-1/4" tower in the images is available for immediate sale ($1150 + shipping) and includes gearcase fasteners in case any are interested. I've also got one 10-1/4" available with enclosed exhaust (see "Evil twins").
Otherwise, good luck with your build. Please continue to post images of your work - it is always very nice!
Tim
BTW: In case you're wondering about the two extra front holes - they and the steering bar attach holes are extreme corners of the superimposed 45SS powerhead bolt pattern just in case!
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