Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

[alagares]

Hello:

I'm looking to buy a 2006 Seafox W/A with an old single 175hp Johnson on it and I'm thinking about changing the engine if it gives me trouble. Can I convert this single outboard to a twin 90 Envirude E-tec? Is this the work for a super boat mechanic or is this something that any mechanic should be able to do?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

What is the use of this boat? Offshore where redundancy is needed? If not, you need to be aware that two motors is twice the maintenance, more comples engine controls, more drag (two lower units in the water) and therefore probably the same speed or less than the single 175. Two and three outboard installations are common on larger boats so I would certainly look around the dealerships to see if they have actually done any multi-engine installs. If not, don't let them experiment on your boat.

 

[alagares]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

Thanks, I know it will be more maintenance and more drag. But the johnson 175 is old and I don't knon how old and I wanted to install two NEW 90hp each. I plan to use this boat for offshore b/c I live in Puerto Rico so having two engines can be a life saver. I know if one fails the other one will be doing a lot of work b/c its only a 90hp (it may be a 115hp) but it can save my life and take me to shore it the situation arrives.

I just want to know if someone here has experience doing this type of conversion and can help me out with some tips.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

It can be done if you have enough room on the transom, or close in the transom and install a twin engine bracket...

 

[alagares]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

This is the boat. The owner doesn't know who old the engine is.

Take a look please.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

Nice looking boat. One thing about those old Johnny's, they will run forever and are very simple...

 

[alagares]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

Thanks. So you think that engine is good? Do you any idea from what year it is?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

Not sure what year, but I see them around a good bit. It appears to be before all of the EFI, DFI, and cumpterized just on these motors. I would compare these Johnsons to an old Chevy 350. Easy, simple to work on and properly maintained, will run forever...

If you can get the numbers off of the engine, post them here and some of the Marine techs should be able to tell you the year and a little more about the motor...

 

[steelespike]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

I fully agree twins are pretty much a must for you.The boat seems fairly small
and twins are going to pretty much double the motor weight. An 89 175 is about 400 lbs a 90hp etec is 320,a 115 375. You might take a test ride with a 240 lb friend at the transom see how it handles.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

SeaFox boats are built near Charleston, SC and they are still in business as we speak. Try contacting them at the link below with your HIN and ask them about any limitations. Good luck!

http://seafox.ep2.channelbladelive.com/page.aspx/pageid/1730/contact-us.aspx

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

That engines doesn't look that old, at least in OMC (Johnson/Evinrude) years.

As was mentioned they are super reliable, if maintanied, and will last for a long time. I'd need the model # off of the little plate on the transom mount to tell you the exact year, but based on the cover and decals on the cover, I'd say you have a late 90's engine there.

Great engine, those 60 degree V6's!! Pretty sure that's a looper. Some of the best ever made. So if that thing is only about 11 or 12 years old, and was maintained properly, it is just barely getting broken in, and should still have many more years of life left.

Did you water test it before you bought it? Did you or anyone else do a compression check on it before you bought it?

I don't quite understand how the previous owner doesn't know the year of the engine. Kind of leads me to believe he doesn't know anything about boats and might not have kept up on any maintenance, unless of course he had it professionally maintained.

What years is the boat? Get us that model # and we will tell you what year it is.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Convert Single to Twin Outboard?

How about keep your boat/motor like it is and just add about a 20HP kicker motor back on the transom just for security to make you feel better when you're several miles off-shore? Just a thought....