Repowering Ranger 680T – 60hp E-tec

I have another post asking about seat relocation, but I’m leaning the other dirrection. I’m in the process of repowering my Ranger 680T. I’m putting on an 07 60hp Etec. The tiller handle seems much longer than the tiller handle length of the original 60hp. Does Evonirude have a short tiller handle option? If I mounted it straight to the transom, the handle would stick much further “into” the boat. Looking at a fixed jackplate to set the motor back 4-5″. Any idea of another option? Thanks,

I don’t believe they offer a shorter tiller arm, but I will check – and if I find out differently, I will post.

I do like the idea of a fixed Jackplate! That may be your answer.

They went to the new style in 2007, I have one that will work for your motor and I will trade you for the long tiller arm on it. Downsides are that you will lose your trim on the throttle as well as the turn key start.

Is your drivers seat on a post or on a fixed bench? Could you put a pedesal base more forward therefore making the long handle comfortable? Even being a little farther forward gets slightly less engine noise and more center balance in boat.

Thanks for the replies.

I admit, I am kinda excited about making it work with a fixed jackplate. Found some made by T-H Marine relatively inexpensive compared to the adjustable ones.

I’m also curious how long, or how much shorter is the pre-07 tiller arms? Can you measure the length from the transom? maybe send a picture of what it looks like?

The rear seat on the Ranger 680T’s are mounted on top of a fiberglass “bump-out” area, not a pedistal with base on the floor, unfortunately.

Went thru the same thing last year with a 681T. Put the jackplate on. I used a mechanically adjustable one. 6″ was about perfect to get the handle back far enough Works great and you can adjust it to gain some performance things (Us small motor guys need all we can get…LOL) . Prior boat I had moved the seat to acomodate the longer handle. Never will do that again. Mine is a ’06 60 etec with the same long handle your talking about. I would never give up my trim, shift and start/kill switch on the handle.

Gomer, Sounds like I’m on the right track. What should I expect for running speed with this set up? ANy way you could send me a picture of your setup?

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Got the pics, Thanks Gomer, looks like a nice setup! I’ll post some pictures in here when I get it started. Thanks for everyones input.

Just got my 680t back couple weeks ago. Sold it 10yrs ago but it found its way home. Plan on doing a full restoration over time. Cheaper than classic cars and definitely more fun. One of the better boats I’ve owned. You’ll love yours best boat out there in it’s size even for their age.

I just purchased a 93 681t with a 60 e-tech. Couple questions.
1. What prop are you running with this set up? The prop that came with the rig is hitting the rev limiter.

2. Did you end up with a 4″ set back plate or a 6″?

Thanks,
Bob

I don’t have a 60 on mine but have a 45 hp Mariner, just went through the “prop” issues as well. I ended up with a 13 prop on mine and I’m thinking this is the ticket. I tried an 11 and a 14 first. 11 was revving way to high and was getting a lot of prop washout, the 14 was nice but still had a lot of rpm’s left. I went with the 13 and so far I think that is the ticket. I want to try to get my hands on a 12 but I’m not sure I want to spend more money on another prop. I did put the SE sport 400 hydro plane on as well and that was an amazing difference for getting on plane quicker.
88 Ranger 680t

A 13 pitch is what is on it now. It hits 6200 rpm’s with it trimmed half way up. So does a guy go up to a 16 or 17 pitch?

Thanks,
Bob