posted 11-10-2013 04:01 PM ET (US)        

My 15 Whaler is looking and running good after the recent restoration, and after my installation of a used 1991 Evinrude 48 special, I repainted it and re-striped it, so it looks practically brand new.

One thing I miss: no Power trim and tilt, particularly at the ramp. Wow, that is a tough thing to do without. I've been spoiled in the past.

For about $400 I can buy a good used setup that will bolt on the 48, but really don't want to spend that much at this time. I may do this later since it is the "right" way and a whaler does deserve the best, but for now I want to have some fun, keep my investment small. and test out an idea I have...

I removed the (slightly leaking) hydraulic cylinder lift assist on this motor, as the clips and cable were not working anyway, and even when I released the cylinder manually, it offered little or no help to lift the motor.

IDEA: without spending any real $$, make this non-power cylinder "power" by adding an energy source, in this case, cheap and easy compressed air.

Realizing that adding a small hydraulic pump and connecting a line to pressurize the cylinder with fluid should work and lift a good sized load, that pump would cost around $100-200 used, based on ones I've seen.

All I really want (this minute) is a means to raise the motor at the ramp while it's not under heavy prop thrust load, so lift strength can be minimal, much less than the hydraulic pump would offer. Yes, I am familiar with compressed liquids vs air, but this sounded so good I just had to test it.

I'm going to install a 3/8" barb fitting on the cylinder, and connect an air hose to a small 12v compressor (Walmart, ten bucks). I already drilled and tapped the cylinder so I'm part there.

The output volume (CFM) on these compressors is very small, so the cylinder should move slowly, which is the goal, maybe too slow, don't know yet, don't feel like calculating it, want to go by seat of pants.

Lift strength? Hmmm, air vs fluid, big difference. May not lift it. We'll see.

If it works, I'll hide the compressor in an extra battery box, and put a switch to it for 12volts. Since the cylinder leaks a little anyway, it may leak down on its own to get underway, but if not, I could install a bleed valve in the airline to drop it slowly.

posted 11-16-2013 12:16 PM ET (US)            

The bad news is that 100 psi, would not raise the motor on its own. I didn't go above 100.

That said, the good news is that while pressurized, even at like 50 psi, I was able to easily grab the motor and tilt it up...the pressurized cylinder added some lift, which is a huge help.

So, I'm going to play with this awhile and eventually buy a new motor, probably a year or two, no rush. I'm going to run this one awhile, and may get lucky and find someone one with a blown 50 with TNT that I can buy at a killer deal.

This was a fun project, but wish the results would have been different.

posted 11-24-2013 05:56 AM ET (US)            

I ran a hose from the cylinder to up under the seat, where the a/c is housed. I took a tire fill stem, scraped the rubber off it until only brass, and clamped it into the hose end.

The ac output hose has a mechanical clamp on the end of it that attaches to such tire stems, and I attached it securely with this clamp to the stem.

I plugged it into the cigarette lighter...whirrrrrrrrr, stepped back to the motor, and grabbed it to tilt manually. Wow, took about 1/2 as much effort as without the air pressure. I moved it fairly easily and slowly about 30 degrees, and as the cylinder void was again filled with air from the movement up, I pulled it again, and it moved up again, fairly easily. Once up all the way, I flipped the motor prop into place, and reached over and unplugged the cigarette lighter. The pressure leaked down....my airline has slight leak at barb, as intended...and all was good. The little ac actually did well, better than I expected.

All of this said, it actually works in that the lifting is now assisted...power steering, I guess is one analogy. Cost me about $20 overall and is a neat, out of sight installation, has one black hose...I used 3/8 gas line, believe it or not,,,,not bad for being on the cheap. I'd prefer the real power TNT but not worth the $400 to me at this time...definitely will have it when I buy new motor, a year or two from now.

posted 12-04-2013 06:22 PM ET (US)            

I explained how everything worked, and to her credit, she was able to pressure it up and lift the motor at the ramp to trailer with little effort...she weighs about 115 pounds.