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I think I have a 1975 13' sourpuss. The motor (25hp evinrude) it came with is manual and thus not hooked up to the center steering console. Have a bunch of cables and pulleys....What should I do? Get an electric motor and side controls? What size and brand? Long or short shaft. Help! I am clueless about this boat but I want to work on it. Any advice would be taken seriously and appreciatively. I also dont have the railing and seat back for the 'driver.'

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I would post a few pictures of your boat here, so we can see what you have. that way we can be of more help.

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Andre,

Welcome to WC. Post some photo's so we can help you out. sounds like the first thing is to get the steering back together. Try reading this thread.
Wraping Cable Steering

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Thanks for the welcome. I live just outside Seattle with plenty of beautiful lakes nearby. My kids think I am a hero for getting the boat. I just want to get her up and going for the summer. I will get pictures up soon. One question to ponder. Should I stay with the cable steering set up or perhaps go in an entirely different direction: new (used) electric motor with side control/new steering cables to 'clean' things up? For example this set up: http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/1023537419.html I know that my current tiller evinrude won't work with my steering components and I don't have any side controls. It appears that it did at one time. Thanks again! I look forward to learning from you all.

Sincerely,
Andre

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Above all, keep the old cable and pulley steering. Its the best steering possible for a small boat, and has the surest "feel". Don`t let anyone tell you it dangerous, and the cable or the pulley may break, It is the only steering system allowed in outboard racing, some boats go over 100mph. Here is a pic. of the stern set up, to give you n idea of how it should look. I have it hooked up to me new Mercury. I had to make a bracket to attach the cables to the outboard.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c19...rmerc5.jpg

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Thanks Rich,
I will definitely keep what I have. I don't think I have all the various components that I saw in your picture, particularly those spring things. Is there a way to convert my 25 HP evinrude tiller to electric with side controls? is that expensive? Perhaps I should have a 40 HP motor anyways as compared to a 25 HP.
I also am wondering if I should keep the center console as opposed to the side one. I think the sourpuss came standard with the center desig. Thoughts on that?? Thanks again....I am willing to take all advice and instructions from you all. Your boat looks awesome...I can only hope to one day have something look that nice....
Andre

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We have a photo in our Whaler Model Specifications section of an original Sourpuss minus the blue seat cushions.
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...lbum_id=18

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So I think I found a guy to help me rig up the pulley steering system. My question now is do I keep my 25hp tiller Evenrude converting it to electric (is that pricey?) or do I get an entirely different engine, say an electric one closer to 40HP? I don't want to do the pulley work if this is the wrong engine. Thoughts? and Thanks!

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Andre,
If you need a sourpuss interior for you restoration let us Know. We'd be glad to help.

regards,
Mike

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Andre,
Not sure if you can convert the tiller to remote, do you have the model and SN? Sounds like they may have had a different engine on the boat originally. If you have the model and SN call the local Evinrude/Johnson dealer in your area. They can get you the right parts to do the conversion. If you can't , I would go with the engine on the boat until you decide if you want to get a new engine. Also, check to make sure the current engine is tightly clamped onto the transom.

We still need photo's.