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I have a chance to purchase a 225 hp evinrude but it has a counter rotating lower unit. Is this going to be a problem when I mount it on my 22 Outrage Cuddy?
The only "problem" will be the inconvenience of finding propellers. CR can be harder to find/buy as singles on the used market, and a new propeller can command a slight premium over a conventional one because of the lower production numbers.
There is additional gearing in the lower unit, which could possibly cost more to repair should you need to do so, but not by much.
The reality is, there is no real good reason NOT to buy a CR motor, all other things equal.
For props: you can buy a pair of used props on E-Bay if the seller won't separate them, etc and sell off the "normal" sibling. This may be the most cost effective way, if you can weather the initial outlay.
The only other thing I can think of is if you experience prop torque right now, you will experience it in the opposite direction with a CR motor. Not a big deal, and it will "walk" the opposite direction in reverse. That may take some getting used to in tight docking situations...but again, not a big deal.
Thank you Dave for the fast response. I guess I will have to learn how to dock all over again. Darn, I have been boating for about 40 years and finally figured it out.
Richard
No, I strenuously disagree with Dave regarding the ability to find counter rotating propellers. The fact is they are often *less* expensive because they are hard to sell individually. I once bought a new and unused LH Mercury Revolution 4 for less than $75. These props typically sell for $500.
I doubt there is a prop made that you would want that is not made in a left hand rotation. The propeller question is NOT a problem for single counter rotation motors.
You do need to keep in mind the propeller torque will be reversed and because of this you may need to adjust your weight and balance within the boat. Other than that, no worries.
Thank you Tom. I have pretty much decided to purchase the 2000 Evinrude - 225 hp for my BW. After an extensive search for a motor that was in my price range that had a future, in good operating condition, not as old as the hills, missing out on bids, bidding sight unseen and not being able to test before purchase, dealing with technical and mechanical jarga, shipping costs and inconveniences, etc. the hassle seams to be coming to an end. Now the fun begins to remove the old 1982 200hp rude and install the new with all the new cables, wiring harness and connections, gauges, and electronics. I do all my own work and haven’t figured out yet how I’m going to move these motors around. Well, I’ll get her done some how. Then I can start putting her back together.
Counter rotating lowers cost way more to rebuild that a right hand. I have also heard that they don't hold up as well. Mine lasted only 2 years after an expensive rebuild that the former owner paid for. The good news is that when your counter rotating lower goes south, you can replace it with a good used or new right hand rotation, and your problem is solved. That's what I did. Ditto on the prop story. Left hand props are a fraction of the cost of a right hand, as they are very hard to sell. (Try Ebay for proof!)
