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Brad · Jul-18-2003, 08:05 PM

I need some advice.

I have an older 23' boat which is solid, dry and rides real well.

I had some engine problems (mechanic error) and basically blew the head gasket. My mechanic accepted responsibility and during the process of repairing it was discovered that the prior owner/mechanic rigged this thing with mismatched heads & intake manifold among other things.

Rather than rebuilding or repairing, since I do not know the shape the lower end is in, he made a suggestion if removing the I/O, patching the hole and hanging an OB on a bracket. This would give me back the lost deck space allowing room for a bait tank and increasing my MPG with a 1994 Evinrude 225 that has been freshly rebuilt on 1998 block with warranty and allow me piece of mind with a motor that I know the history of. We have already addressed the center of gravity issue and the installation will be done to compensate. In addition the weight of the filled bait tank and the larger fuel tank (90 gallons) will also help.

With what I would have to spend to make the existing engine right and have everything gone over (hoses, belts, fittings, etc.) it would only cost me about $1500-2000 more to do this with a 30 gallon bait tank and Flow Scan included.

I have researched the WEB and spoke to several mechanics who said this is not a bad way to go especially compared to the cost of a replacement boat or repairing the existing motor. However a couple of my friends think it is not wise to throw money at an older boat and feel I would be "gerry rigging" it to make it something its not.

Please let me know your thoughts and if you or someone you know has done this your experience. I really appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Brad on "Reel Blessed"

Jul-18-2003, 08:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Brad Registered User Name: Brad Poe Age: 40 Vessel: TBD Location: MISSION VIEJO, CA Job:MANAGER Bio: INSURANCE GURU	Converting I/O to OB on Bracket I need some advice. I have an older 23' boat which is solid, dry and rides real well. I had some engine problems (mechanic error) and basically blew the head gasket. My mechanic accepted responsibility and during the process of repairing it was discovered that the prior owner/mechanic rigged this thing with mismatched heads & intake manifold among other things. Rather than rebuilding or repairing, since I do not know the shape the lower end is in, he made a suggestion if removing the I/O, patching the hole and hanging an OB on a bracket. This would give me back the lost deck space allowing room for a bait tank and increasing my MPG with a 1994 Evinrude 225 that has been freshly rebuilt on 1998 block with warranty and allow me piece of mind with a motor that I know the history of. We have already addressed the center of gravity issue and the installation will be done to compensate. In addition the weight of the filled bait tank and the larger fuel tank (90 gallons) will also help. With what I would have to spend to make the existing engine right and have everything gone over (hoses, belts, fittings, etc.) it would only cost me about $1500-2000 more to do this with a 30 gallon bait tank and Flow Scan included. I have researched the WEB and spoke to several mechanics who said this is not a bad way to go especially compared to the cost of a replacement boat or repairing the existing motor. However a couple of my friends think it is not wise to throw money at an older boat and feel I would be "gerry rigging" it to make it something its not. Please let me know your thoughts and if you or someone you know has done this your experience. I really appreciate your help. Thanks, Brad on "Reel Blessed" __________________ BRAD ON "REEL BLESSED"