SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Hi, I have used CC Marine in Beccles in the past with good results (apart from the price). They are Mercury main dealers and can be contacted on 01502 713703.

Stan

PS I would add that the high price was caused by the cost of Merc spares.

This chap actually is a mercury dealer, and I don't know of any others in the area. Bit stumped!

Many thanks to everyone who has posted messages.

Hi.

If your old engine was OK then at least your transom is not moving about ! A new 4 stroke should run extremely smoothly and as another contributor has stated check that the prop has been fitted correctly, has no bent blades and check that the plug leads have not been reversed to cause bad running. Check for any loosness in the saddle mounting bracket. Depending upon the age of the 535 you might have a short shaft transom that measures 15 inches from the top edge of the transom to the bottom of the hull on the centre line. Some later models had 17 inch 18 inch to cover a change over period before most boats moved to 20inches (Long shaft). If your boat has been fitted with a long shaft engine on a short shaft transom then you could experience some engine running difficulties though usually the symptoms are excessive wash and poor top speed but you should check anyway.

With the boat out of the water, check that the anti cavitastion plate, above the prop, does not protude below the hull. It should be about level or a smidging above but definately not below.

Young engineers are not too conversant with different 535 transom lengths and most short shaft engines get fitted to dinghys and small inflatables-all a bit of a long shot I`m afraid.
Regards.
Paul C W

Thanks Paul,

The engine is a long shaft, and we did think the transom height might be the problem after doing some research, but we measured it and it is a 20 inch, despite the boat being an older model (1974), so that doesn't seem to be the problem.

Last weekend we insulated around the rear bench seat and this has helped cut down the vibration in that area, but the steering gear and inside the cabin are still bad.

We are really appreciative of everyone who had posted messages with helpful suggestions, thankyou very much

Hi Allie, It all sounds a bit of a nightmare to me. The dealer obviously has lost interest and has not helped you solve this problem.
First of all do you keep your boat on a trailer and whereabouts do you live ?
If I were in your shoes I would want to solve the problem rather then put bits of soundproofing around the boat so you don't hear or feel it. The situation can only get worse. Here's the uk contact for mercury outboard engines.
Registered Office: E P Barrus Ltd, Launton Road, Bicester. Oxon. OX26 4UR.
Email [email protected].
Get all your boat specs and engine numbers together and send them an Email
Good Luck Trev

Hi Trev,

Thanks for your input....and you are right, we haven't had much help from the dealer. I think one more email to see if they are intending to have another look at it, then get in touch with Mercury. The insulation, as you say, is only masking the problem. Time to get tough! Thanks for the info.

The boat is permanently moored on the River Waveney, we live in North Essex.

Thanks again,
Allie

alliejy wrote:Hi Trev,

Thanks for your input....and you are right, we haven't had much help from the dealer. I think one more email to see if they are intending to have another look at it, then get in touch with Mercury. The insulation, as you say, is only masking the problem. Time to get tough! Thanks for the info.

The boat is permanently moored on the River Waveney, we live in North Essex.

Thanks again,
Allie

North Essex ????
Im in touch with a few mates in the trade I will have a word and see what they say..
Meanwhile send an email to Merc UK they might even send a technician out ! They do believe in looking after there customers . Cheers Trev

Thanks Trev, you are a star!

We will be following your advice, and getting in touch with Mercury.

I'll keep you posted!

Many thanks,

allie