Converting I/O to OB on Bracket

[Brad]

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"

[Mstonefish]

Sounds like you guys have given it some good thought and considered many of the variables. I like the the idea of the extended motor brackets, helps the boat ride like a larger boat, and keeps the prop in less turbulent water for better performance. It sounds like you like your boat already, why pay out the ass for a new one? It sure beats taking a hit on depreciation w/ a big monthly payment on top of that. I also feel that alot of older boats in your size that I have been on, were built very well, and are laid out better, with more deck storage than alot of newer style boats. Some of which claim to be 24', but feel much smaller when you get it all rigged the way you like it. So, go for it

[Guzzler-1]

Brad

You need to talk with Frank - MoBetta - . He took a 21' Trophy I/O Redid the transom and put a Bracketted 115 HP Yamaha 4 Stroke on it . He would be the man to talk to . I know he loves his boat .

Now as far as dumpimg money into an older boat . There's some issues . Basically what kind of boat we talking about . There are quite a few older model boats that are worth putting money into .
Then there are quite a few that are not . Alot depends on you . Do you really........ like the boat , or are there ceratain things you could find on a different boat the same size that would be better for you ? Bottom line is you never quite get there , but always get a liitle Closer . I/O's are not always that expensive to redo , motor and outdrives . Now changing over to differnt kind is another story . The bracketed motor is an exceptional idea , but until you talk to some who has done it , and is willing to give you a complete cost breakdown for redoing . I would check out the cost of I/O's . I have an I/O in my boat now . Wish I had my old 2 stroke back . But , Big but , If I had to change an I/O out I would withour a doubt go desiel ! If you have a boat that is worth investing that kind of money in to, to begin with . Take the time and find out about diesel repower . Converting over a transom on a boat is a major deal . The bracket idea does sound quite fesible now that you think about it . It plugs uo the whole in the transom
I could go on and on but I'm not . Check out all your options .

Let us know how you do .

Michael

[Mo Betta]

Hey Brad, I would check to make sure everything else on your hull is sound, stringers, transom etc etc. Then find out what a new IO and a diesel IO would run.

I did the conversion myself. I got the Hull cheap without a IO or lower unit. Call Stainless Marine in Florida, talk to the techs and let them know what your plans are. They will send out a measure sheet and build what you need {set back, flotation are all terms they will go over with you}. Mine was about $700.00

You cannot just bolt this bracket on. You need to beef up the transom. Each boat is different, mine needed thickness and 2 very large knees connected to the stringers the engine was mounted on. The filling of the IO hole is pretty basic, get the WEST SYSTEMS manual, you will need it. Dont use anything else to bond to existing fiberglass, its really the only thing that works.
Wear skin and dust protection, over time you can become hyper sensitive to epoxy dust.

After you get the transom smooth and flat its time to mount the bracket. They give you a template, just tape it up and drill. bolt up the bracket and seal with 5200. Get a engine hoist, and mount the motor using the middle holes, seal the engine bolt holes with sealant. Steering cable needs a hole and a extra long calble, so do the engine controls. You will need to play with the engine height to get it right, {trial and error} only takes 20 minutes to change the height.

This is the really simple version. Im know I left things out, but it will give you the basic idea.

PRO's : Rides like a bigger boat, no engine hatch to step over, the whole back deck is flat. Old engine compartment is now a huge strorage area. NO OPEN TRANSOM to take a wave and swamp the boat.

CONS : Lots of work. If I couldnt do it myself, I wouldnt of done it, I have more sweat equity, then Boat dollar equity. Other then that, I loved working on it.

[Mo Betta]

patching the hole, laminating plywood

[Mo Betta]

knees

[Mo Betta]

done

[Mo Betta]

open deck

[Brad]

Thanks for the response so far especially to Frank for the pictures. My mechanic has done several of these and is providing all the labor at no cost since his shop made the error which damaged the engine to begin with. I am going to help him as much as I can as I want to understand whats happening and be as informed as I can about the process.

Basically my cost is the engine, bracket and material all the labor is free. We already have the motor and bracket.

As for the boat the manufacturer is Hurricane which is a Florida manufacturer. They were bought by Godfrey Marine in the 80's and reformed into a deck boat manufactuer.

The hull is a true 23' foam filled solid hull. It is designed and looks very similar to a Life Guard boat just a little smaller. The hull is in excellent shape only some small surface spidering in the gel coat where it rested against the guide on's on the trialer. I just had the bottom paint redone.

Those who have riden on it have told me that it is a great riding solid fishing platform.

Frank, I will definitely check with my mechanic and be sure he is reinforcing the transom and ask him if he will need to tie it in with the stringer as you did. I am actually going down there today to see another boat he just finished the conversion on.

Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!!!!

[Kurt]

Neighbor did this with an older 21 chris craft, he loves it, he did install trim tabs too since the motor was so set back some, helps getting on plane. No reason not too as you know how this boat rides and behaves, good luck.