We recently rigged a 2014 Evinrude 200 HO onto our 1982 Hydrodyne. The new motor replaced a 1980 Mariner 200 hp. The old Mariner was only running 70 to 90 psi in the cylinders - hard to start, smoked, and had little power left. We sold it for $650, including all the old controls. The new motor does not weigh anymore than the old. The old motor had a very heavy hydraulic pump (trim-tilt) behind the rear bench seat that we removed. We added new Sea Star hydraulic steering and a BRP controller. It was a bit tricky getting it all to work correctly - many thanks to Erich Zellmer and the guys at Must-skis (Beaver Dam WI ski club). What fun to have my son and his cousin get to watch 9 motors changed out at the airport in Beaver Dam. They helped us hang the new motor and set us up with all the new rigging components - plus many text responses from us seeking help ! Erich let me borrow his SS 4-blade 15 pitch prop. It had power to spare and kept the top end speed to about 45 mph. My brother Mark gave me some AL 3-blade 17 pitch props left over from his 2007 Dyna-ski (former Minocqua Bat boat) that pushes my boat to 49 mph. We still struggle with the throttle. It is a short, stiff throw and therefore it is tricky getting perfect water ski speeds. We did add some grease, that seemed to help, but the short throw continues. We installed new I-command gauges but have yet to get them working. I think a BRP dealer has to adjust some communication threads so that it recognizes the gauge network. Oh, and don't forget to plug your air guide tubes, otherwise your pants will get wet. The new wiring has all plugs which makes connections at both ends a snap. I used the old-style tack wiring that comes with the kit to power our other accessories (lights, bilge, depth, etc.) through a fuse box. Connecting the throttle and gear cables at the motor end was probably the hardest part. The port going into the motor sure gets full by the time you add a pitot tube, wiring harness, control cables, I-command cable, and fuel and oil hoses. They all do fit, though running them all at the same time helps as some of the wiring plugs are large and have to be threaded through one at a time. Bleeding the Sea Star was also tricky as the directions can only be used as a guide. Moving the motor hard one direction often covered the very valve they tell you to bleed. We just kind of moved the steering both ways several times, bleeding valves as we went. We also had to create a custom plate for the throttle controller as the old hole was too large. One dire challenge left to solve is the forward tank filler tube - it kicks back fuel if you fill at the gas station. The two 90 degree elbows are just too tight. The new motor was so quiet the boys kept yelling at me to start the motor as they sat freezing in the early spring water waiting to be pulled out. The motor was running, its just that quiet. I suppose the mosquitoes at the boat landing will have longer lives as I don't fog the channel with exhaust anymore. MarkBano managed to do some Dyne Walks with it up north, but my phone camera was too slow to catch the action. Steve Bano
I have heard that this throttle is better, check with Erich: http://www.ebay.com/itm/6X0-Yamaha-...ter-/131441936970?hash=item1e9a8cca4a&vxp=mtr If you have excessive play, there is a fix for that. jim
Steve, I went to this (Livorsi) twin lever for the speed control I was looking for. With the long throw for the throttle, you can keep it where ever you want it. (Had trouble with the single handle keeping it at trick skiing speeds.)
