fishcamp Posted April 19, 2020 Report Share Posted April 19, 2020 I am installing a new Suzuki 115 on my 1992 Redfisher. The splash well is narrower than Sea Star specs. I am afraid the steering will hit the sides of the splash well when tilted. The original motor was mounted about four inches above the transom on a fixed jack plate. I'm guessing that was done to give the cylinder clearance. Any advice about what to do? Maybe go with a 25 inch lower unit to make up for raising the motor on the jack plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallowminded6 Posted April 20, 2020 Report Share Posted April 20, 2020 What shaft length was the previous motor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishcamp Posted April 20, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2020 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallowminded6 Posted April 20, 2020 Report Share Posted April 20, 2020 Are you getting rid of or changing the jack plate? Did you have problems with the motor being where it was mounted before? I would think the shaft length should be able to stay the same. Is this an 18 or 16? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lap it Up Posted April 20, 2020 Report Share Posted April 20, 2020 I had a 1998 RF 18. It had a 130 Yamaha 20" with SeaStar Steering. I ran a 6" hydraulic jackplate in order to clear the splashwell. I do not recommend a 25" engine on a Redfisher. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted April 21, 2020 Report Share Posted April 21, 2020 check U-Flex system. dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishcamp Posted April 21, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2020 It is an 18 foot. I bought it with a bad engine that did not run. I have not had it in the water. Right now I'm replacing all wiring, engine, gas tank, and all plumbing. Looks like the jack plate was installed with the original engine to make room for the steering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallowminded6 Posted April 21, 2020 Report Share Posted April 21, 2020 I agree with Lap It Up. I dont think a 25” would do good. Lets see some pics. Congrats on the new boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toeknee217 Posted April 27, 2020 Report Share Posted April 27, 2020 I don't know how much farther you have gotten with this build but I am literally doing the same job right now with my 1990. I have an ongoing thread started on here for the tank replacement. Do NOT buy the new engine with a 25'' shaft, it is meant for a 20". I also have not run my boat yet. I bought an outboard already but I haven't installed nor have I bought a steering system. Have you looked into a baystar system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishcamp Posted June 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2020 Bay Star system is too wide for the splash well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishcamp Posted June 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2020 On 4/20/2020 at 11:05 AM, Lap it Up said: I had a 1998 RF 18. It had a 130 Yamaha 20" with SeaStar Steering. I ran a 6" hydraulic jackplate in order to clear the splashwell. I do not recommend a 25" engine on a Redfisher. How did the boat perform with the motor up that high? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lap it Up Posted June 8, 2020 Report Share Posted June 8, 2020 I only ran it all the way up to get up in skinny water and for idling around in shallow water. The jack plate offers set back so the steering ram doesn't interfere with the splashwell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishcamp Posted October 17, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2020 I'm just about finished with my 92 redfisher 18. New fuel tank, wiring, plumbing, tabs, jack plate, electronics, hinges, paint, and rub rail. Waiting on a Suzuki 115 to arrive. As mentioned earlier the old motor was mounted about 4 inches above the transom so the steering cyl. cleared the too narrow splash well. Towed the boat to the dealer today and discovered that a 25 inch lower unit put the prop about an inch too low at the lowest jack plate height. It can be raised a little for perfect running height and still has 5 inches more height adjustment for clearance when motor is tilted forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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