1977 23' Strait inboard, Transmissions

[Joe Napoleon]

About 10 yrs ago a new mercruiser w/ an 8 degree down angle trany was installed in this boat. I said why Is there a market for a lightly used 8 degree down angle trany or could I trade for a 1.51 to 1 velvet drive? What are ur thoughts on best course of action?

[deepsushi]

Not sure why you would want to change from a down angle transmission back to an inline gear? Down angle transmissions did not exist back when they built these boats; if they did I am sure they would have originally utilized the down angle as it allows the motor to sit in a "neutral" horizontal state verses a downward angle.

The ratio of the transmission is whats important not the angle. Plus, in order to swap gears you most likely will need to change the motor mounts as well as possibly lengthening the shaft.