changing motors on 18' ... problems?
 

I have an 1976 18'. It has the original 76 evenrude 115 with a 20" shaft. I want to put a mid 90's 115 merc. on it . The cowling on the merc. is approx. 14" taller than the evenrude,and will hit the aluminum splash well I made for it long before the prop clears the water when tilting the motor up. It would be nice to use a 25" shaft, but that looks like another nightmare. Any suggestions other than a large box full of money,or a bullet to the brain? P.S. I have photo's but don't know how to send them.

Re: changing motors on 18' ... problems?
 

If you put a 20" shaft on the same notch your still going to hit the splash well and have your drive too far in the water.

You can replace the transom (big coin), upsize the notch (moderate coin, not best option), or cut the splashwell a bit

Re: changing motors on 18' ... problems?
 

Put a piano hinge in the middle of you aluminum cover and types of locks that slide in a hole and turn down. Sorry I dont know the name. They are kinda like dead bolt locks. When tilting the motor unlock and fold down the cover. Should work fine.