First, here is the current situation:
The original outboard. It’s a 2001 2 stroke 50hp Mercury.
The lower unit, uh, disappeared. Long story but I trusted someone I shouldn’t have and no longer have it.
Please excuse the filth and grime. I’ll wash her soon. Here is the pedestal setup:
(Mental note to self: mast support pole is still stuck, remove mount and bust it loose next “boat” day)
Surprisingly, the steering isn’t frozen up but it is a little crunchy. I don’t think you can do much to the steering cable. So I’m hoping cleaning up and greasing the helm thingy (forget the name of the thing the steering wheel attaches too) will fix her up.
I have not dug into the throttle box. But I’m assuming it and the control cables will need to be replaced. Last time the engine ran, the RPM gauge didn’t work properly. So I’m assuming I’ll have to replace it as well.
I’ve been researching and looking at options. The throttle is a real knee banger in its current location. Since I’m redoing it anyway I’m thinking of moving it and maybe trying some sort of flush mount install. I’ve seen some slick setups you guys have done and posted here already that have inspired me.
Here is the “new” outboard:
It is a 2003 50hp two stroke Merc I acquired about 5 years ago. It’s the same model as the old one, just a little newer. Supposedly it’s only been run in freshwater. It has insanely low hours. It’s practically like new really; other than the fact it’s been sitting winterized on that pallet in my garage for 5 years.
What will it need done to it? I’m really not sure. In theory just do a dewinterizing routine whatever that is? Maybe check the carbs, change out the lower unit oil? I’ll have to research and would really appreciate any advice or tips here.
I may knock together a gallows/hoist out of my lumber pile and use that to remove the old outboard and install the new one. But I also have to do an engine swap on my old Blazer soon (partially seen in the last picture) so if I come across a hoist I can buy at a reasonable price that will do both I might go that route instead.
I’ve never done this before but other than removing the old 5200 it seems like a fairly straightforward process, especially since I’m installing the same model outboard.
Like the trailer post I did, I’ll keep a running log here. I appreciate any advice, thoughts, or comments anyone wants to take the time to post.
. You'll be floor space ahead if you use the crane to get the motor out of the garage and put the folded crane in its place. 
