Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

[DukesFin]

Is is possible? Maybe I'm just frustrated, but I am interested in knowing if a conversion is possible. I realize that controls would have to change, but would the engine (GM L6) have to move? I am also aware that the transom would have to be re-done. What about the bellhousing?

Anyway, just frustrated with my stringer now and looking at options.

What do you all think? I know it will be quite a $$ investment if it's possible, but I'll be spending $$ on a stringer anyway. I figure if I convert to Mercruiser, parts will be a bit more "readily available" and less hassle to find.

My boat is a '74 Grady White 212 Chesapeake, and it has a new motor in it. I know later models of the 212 Chesapeake sport a Mercruiser outdrive in them, but haven't had the chance to really look at one "in person".

 

[Don S]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

Rip all the OMC stuff out, rebuild the transom, cut a new hole in the proper location and install the Mercruiser.

That's all there is to it

 

[Don S]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

Here is a Mercruiser installation manual that may help you out. The transom on the Mercruiser is your main support, unlike the Stringer. So it needs to be solid and to a proper thickness. It's all in the link in the manual below. It's almost 3 MB in size, so it'll take a while.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Install/gas/86017211.pdf

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

Duke, Here is another article on the subject:
http://www.sterndrives.com/omc_to_mercruiser.html

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

Duke, Here is another article on the subject:
http://www.sterndrives.com/omc_to_mercruiser.html

Okay, so my bellhousing (with rear engine mounts) stays, but the intermediate housing goes, right?

(Not that I am doing this today, but)... What about the distance from the engine coupler to the gimbal housing? Are the drive shafts avail. in different lengths or might I have to move my motor forward / backwards?

 

[KaGee]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

Duke, if you are up to the task, the simplest thing to do is find what Bondo termed a "doner" boat. One that has the majority of the major parts you need and "transplant" them to your boat, after the transom work is done.

BTW... A black anchor or Volvo can still be a PITA to disassemble if they were in salt or not regularly maintained.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

Duke, if you are up to the task, the simplest thing to do is find what Bondo termed a "doner" boat. One that has the majority of the major parts you need and "transplant" them to your boat, after the transom work is done.

BTW... A black anchor or Volvo can still be a PITA to disassemble if they were in salt or not regularly maintained.

I hear you. Great tip on getting a cheap "project boat" for the parts I need.

I realize that dissasembly will still be a PITA, but at least parts are more readily available and "up to date". As time goes by, my stringer parts will continue to get hard to find and given "supply vs. demand", I imagine the price for those parts will get higher and higher.

Besides, if I ever make enough money that I don't have to do all my own work (HA!), it will be easier to find a mechanic to work on an Alpha drive unit! My fear in taking my stringer to someone is that they won't have much experience with them, thus take "short cuts" or guess at somthing.

Know what I mean?8)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Conversion from Stringer to Mercruiser?

You've got to Stop Thinking about how much of the OMC that you can Reuse,..........
Forget It,........ Part it out to other Poor Souls who Need your Parts..........

Find a Donor Boat,...... Not a Beat, Non-Runner.....
A Running Boat,... 1 with the Exact Driveline you Want,.......

I'd suggest a 4.3l with a 4bbl. Carb. turning an Alpha 1 drive................
Cheap,.... Lots of Parts,......And All Most Current Production Vintage.............