Thanks for the advise all

265 Mercman, thanks for the advise. That seems to make sense. I wonder if you have to fill in the old water inlets? 77 Viper, Welding is the best way to go. However, this is going to be a relativly slow boat (only 85hp) and a low budget build. But, I would hate to do all that work and the nosecone c...

Oh, and does the epoxy mounting method actually work?

I have been considering installing a Bob's Nose Cone to my Merc 850.... I understand the attachment to the LU, but how does the water supply hose (coming from the LWP) connect to the existing pick-up? I've never taken a lower unit apart, so I'm not exactly sure whats in there.
Thanks,

That's very interesting! I can't wait to hear more stories. I'm currently working on a '79 Viper and I also have a VooDoo (it's a Canadian Edition, they "borrowed" the molds/design from Hydrostream right?) that I've been using during the summers on vacation at our family cottage in Ontario...

It's a 20"

Jason it's just an 85hp, so I don't expect too much. Not only that, there is no vertical adjustment on the motor. That being said, based on comments here and thinking about it more, I ordered a manual jackplate yesterday. It wasn't much money and I think it will be well worth the investment. Thanks ...

Well, currently I have probably the worst possible prop for it. It's a factory 3 blade (can't remember the pitch, but WAY to small). My parents had it on a bowrider in the 90s and it had an amazing hole shot! Not really sure what I'm going to use. I guess I'll start with it and try different ones fr...

No, I don't have a LWP. However, I did consider getting a jackplate to make any adjustments/future engine changes easier. I'm just trying not to spend a whole lot of money on this project. It may be worth $150 though.

Regarding motor height.... I'm getting ready to mount my Mercury 850 (manual trim, [20" shaft]) on my Viper. Is there a good rule of thumb for height? I'm thinking about the anti-cav plate about an inch above the bottom of the pad. Sound OK? It won't have a jack plate either, so I'll use a hard...