Ok I have had a a few guys wanting me to move this to the resto area
Sorry for the long post but wanted to be as detailed as I can. I did this conversion quite a few years ago.
My 85 Starcraft IO I bought with a bad motor. I had bought the boat and trailer 10 years ago with the intent of putting an outboard on it. I paid 300 for the boat trailer and dead IO.
I tore the engine and outdrive off and was left with the big hole in the transom and the big hole in the floor. I sold the outdrive and damn near recooped the price of the boat and trailer.
So I went to the aluminum shop with my design for the C drive on the back of the boat. I told them exatcly how I wanted it done. I also had them cut a big piece of aluminum for the back of the hull to cover the hole from the outdrive and for additional strength.
I made this thing fully adjustable, I can move the entire box up and down the transom, I can move the back plate that the motor bolts to in and out to angle the motor where it needs to be. I wanted all the adjustment I could get because I was flying blind into doing this.
I got it all welded together and ready to put on. The price I paid for all the aluminum and labor making it was just under 550 bucks.
So my bro in law and I went to work measuring and lining things up and marking holes on the transom before we did any drilling. Then started to make the holes and bolt the plate and box on. Then we hung the motor and away we went. The big plate on the back I used windshield urethane on for sealant, I also used silicone and butyl tape which stays tacky and pliable. I may have went overkill on sealing it, but I did not want it to leak. And it doesn't leak a drop LOL!!
I also put a piece of 1/8 steel on the inside of the transom all the way across the back for extra support. This thing is strong as hell. I did some heavy reinforcements to this thing when I built it.
I have a few pictures I can post here now. I will get some more of the inside this weekend. I did this conversion 8 years ago and never took pics as I put it together unfortunatly. But if anyone is considering doing this and wants pics of something or some info just ask.
Oh and the performance of this thing is AWESOME!!! I had a 140 OMC on the back and the hole shot is great!! It pops right up and out of the hole. I just bought a 175 OMC for it now, and mounted it on there this week. Have not had the time to test that out in the water yet.
Anyways here are some pics of the motor and C drive and the boat.
Sorry for the long post but wanted to be as detailed as I can. I did this conversion quite a few years ago.
My 85 Starcraft IO I bought with a bad motor. I had bought the boat and trailer 10 years ago with the intent of putting an outboard on it. I paid 300 for the boat trailer and dead IO.
I tore the engine and outdrive off and was left with the big hole in the transom and the big hole in the floor. I sold the outdrive and damn near recooped the price of the boat and trailer.
So I went to the aluminum shop with my design for the C drive on the back of the boat. I told them exatcly how I wanted it done. I also had them cut a big piece of aluminum for the back of the hull to cover the hole from the outdrive and for additional strength.
I made this thing fully adjustable, I can move the entire box up and down the transom, I can move the back plate that the motor bolts to in and out to angle the motor where it needs to be. I wanted all the adjustment I could get because I was flying blind into doing this.
I got it all welded together and ready to put on. The price I paid for all the aluminum and labor making it was just under 550 bucks.
So my bro in law and I went to work measuring and lining things up and marking holes on the transom before we did any drilling. Then started to make the holes and bolt the plate and box on. Then we hung the motor and away we went. The big plate on the back I used windshield urethane on for sealant, I also used silicone and butyl tape which stays tacky and pliable. I may have went overkill on sealing it, but I did not want it to leak. And it doesn't leak a drop LOL!!
I also put a piece of 1/8 steel on the inside of the transom all the way across the back for extra support. This thing is strong as hell. I did some heavy reinforcements to this thing when I built it.
I have a few pictures I can post here now. I will get some more of the inside this weekend. I did this conversion 8 years ago and never took pics as I put it together unfortunatly. But if anyone is considering doing this and wants pics of something or some info just ask.
Oh and the performance of this thing is AWESOME!!! I had a 140 OMC on the back and the hole shot is great!! It pops right up and out of the hole. I just bought a 175 OMC for it now, and mounted it on there this week. Have not had the time to test that out in the water yet.
Anyways here are some pics of the motor and C drive and the boat.
