Re: change out
It is do-able, and if done properly, can yeild a superior boat to what it was. The key is the transom. The transom on an I/O boat is generally not as strong, as does not go all the way across. Since the engine is bolted to the structure, and the outdrive is bolted to the engine, the forces are transmitted to the structure through the engine. the transom serves only to keep the water out and located the outdrive.<br /><br />On an outboard boat, the transom is stronger because the outboard is bolted to the transom, and the force is transmitted through the transom to the boat. In order to do as you propose, you will need to tear the old transom out, and lay in a new, thicker transom. You will probably need to rebuild the floor and stringer system to take the force. Often a pair of braces are added from the transom to the floor/stringer system to further strengthen the hull. The hole that is in the fiberglass is then filled with new glass layup, the new transom takes care of the hole itself. At this point, a bracket is the easiest route to go. A bracket will offset the outboard from the rear of the transom from 6 inches to a couple feet, depending on the bracket. The other alternative is to engineer a splashwell into the transom, basically configuring the boat like an outboard boat. Either way is a lot of work, and unless you really love this boat or just like to spend money on a challenge, you would be money/work ahead if you simply got another boat that better suited your needs. Good luck either way...
<br /><br />A lot of guys and gals will disagree with Will. What you propose has been done many times.<br /><br />Most commonly the transom is sealed and a bracket added to carry the outboard. Several companies make brackets for that exact purpose.<br /><br />Someone will be along soon who has actually done it.<br /><br />Good luck. 
