The Buckshot Racing #77 Lower Water Pickup Nose Cone is now available for high-performance outboards requiring reliable cooling water while running elevated engine heights and surfacing-style propeller setups.
Developed for performance boats, tunnel hulls, bass boats, offshore boats, race boats, and other high-speed applications, the Buckshot nose cone uses a longer, lower-profile bullet shape with low-mounted water pickups and a larger internal water passage to improve water delivery while minimizing unnecessary hydrodynamic drag.
The design was developed as an alternative to traditional aftermarket nose cones, including the popular Bob’s Machine Shop style, with emphasis on a cleaner profile, lower pickup location, increased internal flow capacity, and improved integration with the gearcase.
Hydrodynamic Gearcase Design
At higher speeds, the shape of the gearcase becomes increasingly important. A conventional gearcase creates substantial drag as water passes around the leading edge and bullet.
The Buckshot Racing #77 nose cone extends the effective length of the gearcase and creates a more streamlined leading profile. The goal is to improve water separation around the case, reduce turbulence, and provide a cleaner path through the water at elevated engine heights.
The lower bullet profile and integrated wrap-around design allow the nose cone to blend into a wide range of gearcases instead of relying on a bulky external shape.
For performance applications, this can help support higher engine placement and more efficient surfacing-propeller operation when the complete setup is properly configured.
Low Water Pickup System
Raising an outboard reduces the amount of the factory water inlet that remains submerged. At extreme engine heights, a conventional side-mounted water pickup can begin ingesting aerated water or lose water pressure completely.
The Buckshot Racing #77 nose cone relocates the water pickups to the lowest practical area of the gearcase nose, helping maintain a solid water supply at elevated engine heights.
The pickup passages feed a larger internal water tube, providing increased flow capacity compared with many traditional low-water-pickup nose cone designs.
Maintaining stable water pressure is critical when running at high speed. Engine height should always be adjusted while monitoring water pressure and engine temperature.
Broad Outboard Gearcase Compatibility
The Buckshot Racing #77 nose cone is designed to fit a wide range of outboard gearcases from approximately 30 HP through 450 HP, depending on gearcase dimensions and installation requirements.
Applications include compatible Mercury and Mercury Racing 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.2L outboards, along with selected OMC / Johnson / Evinrude, Yamaha, and Suzuki gearcases.
Mercury applications can include many classic Black Max, XR2, XR4, XR6, XRi, Pro Max, 245 Carb, 260 EFI, 280 ROS, 300 Drag, S3000, 300X, 300XS, SportMaster, CLE, TorqueMaster, FleetMaster, and conventional fishing gearcases, provided the physical gearcase is compatible with the installation.
Because gearcase shapes vary significantly between manufacturers and production years, final fitment should always be confirmed using the actual gearcase.
Built for High-Speed Outboard Applications
A properly installed nose cone is especially valuable on boats that require the propeller shaft to run near or above the bottom of the hull.
Typical applications include tunnel boats, STV-style performance hulls, Allison-style performance boats, high-performance bass boats, offshore boats, drag boats, Formula race boats, and other surfacing-propeller applications.
The nose cone itself does not determine maximum engine height. Gearcase style, boat design, propeller, setback, trim angle, water pressure, steering system, and overall setup must all work together.
Marine-Grade Aluminum Construction
The Buckshot Racing #77 nose cone is manufactured from marine-grade aluminum for durability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with aluminum outboard gearcases.
Proper installation requires accurate alignment with the propeller shaft centerline. The cone should be bonded and faired carefully into the original gearcase so the finished profile is straight, smooth, and symmetrical.
Incorrect alignment can increase drag or negatively affect handling, which is why professional installation is recommended for high-speed applications.
Optional Installation Components
A Hose Kit is available for $40 and includes two 304 stainless-steel fittings, one 200 PSI Push-Lok hose, and one billet pipe plug kit.
A Drill Bit & Tap Kit is also available for $40 for preparing the gearcase for the water-supply fitting during installation.
These options provide the primary hardware needed to connect the low-water-pickup system to the engine cooling circuit.
Buckshot Racing #77 Tech Tip
Installing a low-water-pickup nose cone allows the gearcase to operate at engine heights that may not be possible with standard water inlets, but water pressure must always be monitored during setup.
Raise the engine gradually and test the boat under actual operating conditions. Watch water pressure, engine temperature, handling, steering load, propeller slip, and RPM after every adjustment.
The goal is not simply to run the gearcase as high as possible. The best setup is the height that produces the strongest combination of speed, stability, propeller efficiency, cooling-water pressure, and predictable handling.
The Buckshot Racing #77 Lower Water Pickup Nose Cone is engineered for performance boaters who need a streamlined gearcase profile, low-mounted water pickups, increased internal water-flow capacity, and broad compatibility across Mercury, OMC, Yamaha, and Suzuki outboards.
Contact mike@buckshotracing77.com or +1-714-697-1716 with any questions or for a professional installer in your area.