convert a cuddy from sterndrive to outboard?

[so]

I'm interested in a 80's 19ft bayliner cuddy. It's priced real low but needs some interior work and the I/O is out of commission. Is it possible to convert it to outboard? I dont mean adding a bracket/pod, I'd prefer cutting away top of the transom so the outboard can be hung on it like how it's normally done. kind of like what this guys is doing but a conversion instead of repairing

 

[tpenfield]

Sure . . . it's possible.

Got any pictures to share?

 

[so]

 

[so]

most conversions i've seen on youtube are adding a bracket/pod, just wondering if there's a reason for that or is it just a personal preference and easier to do.

 

[racerone]

For an outboard the transom is at an angle ( 12 degrees ?? ) -----So is the transom vertical on this Bayliner ?

 

[garbageguy]

A "a 80's 19ft cuddy"?
First off, it's structurally sound hull w no rot, stringers strong as new (or better), right?

 

[havoc_squad]

For a lot of time and money you could but why?

Unless boats in sea worthy shape of the type you prefer are few on the market that are affordable, I would say no thanks and cut your losses.

Cost of materials in the last two years for fiberglass repair have made it even less desirable to fix up boats that really should be scrapped.

A $600 dumpster grade 1980's fiberglass cuddy is more expensive than a $4000 mid 1990's fiberglass cuddy for sale built for outboard with solid stringers and transom.

Fix up a cuddy that looks worth keeping, you can fix hardware that break on the hull, and retains a decent residual value.

Also, stay away from custom modding things that are permanent. If it does not look factory, people often don't want it if you have to sell.

There is a seller of a 1990's aluminum bow rider boat who didn't think things thru doing crazy custom permanent changes into trying to make it like the new fish and ski boats at the transom.

Well, he gave up on it as incomplete and now he's stuck with a mess that no one wants to buy.

 

[Lou C]

Run like hell from that boat. What’s with the giant hunk of plywood?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the 80's were bayliners worst years ever. 100% of them have transom rot. (ok, 99.99999999999995%) there is that one.

regardless if you wanted to convert or leave. you have $3k worth of hull repair before you worry about how you will power it.

the bracket is to get the motor away from the transom to allow you to tilt the motor up. it also requires you to have fixed the rotten transom (back to the $3k)

a good outboard bracket / pod will be in the $4k+ range. larger off-shore boats are in the $15k-$20k range

then you need to spend money on an outboard, controls, gauges, wiring, etc.. so that is another few grand.

it literally would be cheaper and faster for you to buy a 10 year old boat that is water-ready

 

[matt167]

I love a good 80s bayliner. And a Capri bowrider or cuddy would be one of my wants if I ever decide I really want a glasser. Nice Mercruiser swap candidate during restoration…. But I get itchy thinking about it and that’s why I only invest in tin boats unless I need parts donor