Converting jet outboard to prop

[Full_Monte]

I'm looking at used boats and run into a lot of outboards with jet units on them. I might buy a boat with one of those if I could replace the jet with a prop lower unit. I had one guy tell me that it would cost about $1500 to make the switch. Does that sound right to you? It seems to me that most engines come with the prop lower unit and then they are converted to jets...making for a lot of prop lower unit inventory somewhere. What do you guys think?

[SuperD]

That price sounds like it is for having the work done for you. I've seen brand new lower units advertised for about 1/2 that amount and of course it depends on what horsepower you're talking about.

[twisted lines]

I have heard its about that to go to a jet, but have paid double that to replace a damaged lower unit (installed). Somthing to watch is changing the height and what the bottom of the boat was intended for.....

[lowe1648mt]

Yes transon height will be an issue. Find someone that wants a jet pump (same motor, size,make, and year or close) and trade.

[Full_Monte]

Thanks, guys...I just can't imagine where all those excess prop lower units end up. Don't all outboards come with one when new? If so, where to they go when the jet pump unit is put on?

[SuperD]

Monte, call Tim at Sacramento Performance Marine and ask him how hard it is to come by a surplus lower unit. He's super helpful and might have a resource for something like that we'd never know about.

[skyhammer]

Thanks, guys...I just can't imagine where all those excess prop lower units end up. Don't all outboards come with one when new? If so, where to they go when the jet pump unit is put on?

Not at all, most outboard companies make jet versions of their outboards that never see a prop unit installed.

[Full_Monte]

Not at all, most outboard companies make jet versions of their outboards that never see a prop unit installed.

I didn't realize that...all the ones I've seen have been painted a different color than the engines they were on and seemed to be after-market add-ons.

[MXDAD777]

Monte,

Did you ever find a lower prop unit? I have a 115 hp Mercury that came from the factory as a jet. I have been thinking about getting a prop lower unit for it to put on during the summer months when I am fishing the lakes. Just curious what you found out.

Thanks, Ron

[Full_Monte]

No, I didn't pursue it further. I ended up buying a boat with an outboard/prop drive. It seemed easier than trying to solve this problem. After having owned the boat for a few months now, I can tell you, there were enough problems to solve and improvements to make without fooling with the jet/prop conversion.