Cheetah 180V (1984) or similar outboard conversion

[Muskytek]

I’m looking at an 84’ Cheetah 180V as a potential project hull.
It will be converted from a V8 I/O to an outboard. A V4 OMC outboard

What might I expect as far as surprises with its performance? I noticed the rear has a fairly pronounced hook molded in and I don’t see that much on outboard boats.

At 18’ and 90” this hull will be a perfect base for the kind of build I want to do, I just don’t want to have any seriously unpleasant surprises

Pic posted of the boat. I understand the amount of work involved I am simply shopping for a blank canvas type of hull like the aluminum Starcraft guys use

 

[Scott Danforth]

Consider the hull to be completely toast and needing a complete overhaul

 

[Muskytek]

Consider the hull to be completely toast and needing a complete overhaul

That much I expect. Given what I’d like to do it would be better to start with something like that anyhow

 

[Scott Danforth]

That much I expect. Given what I’d like to do it would be better to start with something like that anyhow

no, it would be cheaper and better to by a boat that is running with an outboard already.

however its your time and money

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... I'd sooner think that pronounced hook is from rotten stringers, 'n the hull sittin' on an ill fittin' trailer for years,.....

No hull, should have a hook in it, as it'll never plane off properly,.....

 

[Chris1956]

So you are going to replace a 225HP+I/O motor with a 115HP outboard? I would expect performance will suffer somewhat. Yo will save about 700# of weight though.

 

[KJM]

What do you mean by "hook"? Last year I converted mine to an OB and have no regrets. I went from a merc 165 to a yamaha f90. If by hook you mean the keel is curved up then walk away!

 

[Muskytek]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... I'd sooner think that pronounced hook is from rotten stringers, 'n the hull sittin' on an ill fittin' trailer for years,.....

No hull, should have a hook in it, as it'll never plane off properly,.....

Lots of hulls have hook molded into them from the factory

 

[Muskytek]

So you are going to replace a 225HP+I/O motor with a 115HP outboard? I would expect performance will suffer somewhat. Yo will save about 700# of weight though.

Yes correct.
A 115 tiller with possible 140hp V4 down the road but no more than that.
38-40mph top speed I’m fine with. I just want something to get on plane and stay there

 

[Muskytek]

What do you mean by "hook"? Last year I converted mine to an OB and have no regrets. I went from a merc 165 to a yamaha f90. If by hook you mean the keel is curved up then walk away!

hull hook for planing - Google Search

 

[Muskytek]

no, it would be cheaper and better to by a boat that is running with an outboard already.

however its your time and money

Where is there a 19’ 90” wide fiberglass fishing boat with a tiller for less than 50k??

 

[Bondo]

Lots of hulls have hook molded into them from the factory

Ayuh,..... Only if the manufacturer wants the bow, to plow,....

The last few feet of the bottom of the hull, should be straight,.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Where is there a 19’ 90” wide fiberglass fishing boat with a tiller for less than 50k??

dont know. thats up to you to look.

doubt you will find a 19 foot tiller boat, most will come with remote steering and controls.

you would be better off looking at a blue fin or other brand of boat vs an early 80's boat with rotten stringers/transom/etc.