Convert I/O to Outboard?

[BeerBrewer]

I'm considering buy a 1979 Grady White 212 Chesapeake thats needs a new engine and possibly outdrive (I assume both are bad). There are a lot of "issues" but hull is in good shape.

The guy selling it said he would convert the I/O to an outboard, with a bracket kit. If doable, I like the idea since I'd gain a lot more space inside the boat. I'm not concerned about patching the floor where the engine is now, I can rig something up.

Is this Safe? Can the transom take the load? What does it do the boats performance and handling? Has anyone done it before? Where can I buy the bracket? Any estimates on cost?

 

[SBTOM]

Re: Convert I/O to Outboard?

That conversion has been done a few times. I think that people typically add a few braces to their transom before they bolt on a gill bracket. In terms of cost, you could probably pick up a used bracket on craigslist for a couple hundred bucks and just modify it to be what you need. Then you just need a monster outboard to stick on there, and thats where things will start to get a little pricey.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/engineBrackets.html

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: Convert I/O to Outboard?

I've converted my 20' Beachcraft by Reinell but still have a couple of things to do. Here's the link: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=390374&highlight=conversion

I'm expecting the rotary steering kit to be UPS delivered and will install today.
I've pre-wired the gauges so connecting each sender wire to the repective gauge will only take a couple of minutes. I'll place the muffs on the motor make sure everything is working then hopefully by this weekend tow the boat to the lake and conduct a shake down cruise.

BTW, do a search on this forum using the word "conversion" which will pull up several post.

Good luck.

 

[BeerBrewer]

Re: Convert I/O to Outboard?

Very Nice Job!

I spoke to the folks at Grady-White and they said it can be done, using the right bracket. They also recommended beefing up the stringers where the old engine mounted. Did you do that also? If so, what did you use? I noticed that you added another piece of plywood to the inside of the transom. How did you attach it?