Converted twin engine command bridge to twin outboard Verado 300s

[VicCanada300s]

Hello!

This is my first post - just joined officially today! Thanks to all who contribute to this site. I have been a reader for years and appreciate the advice, tips, and discussion. It’s been a huge benefit.

I wanted to share my recently completed project - converted a twin engine 1989 Bayliner Command Bridge 2958, originally powered by a pair of OMC cobra/Chev 350 drives to a twin outboard set-up with custom welded aluminum POD. ...in my spare time

Once the old engines and drives were removed, the project took 2 months to complete. I did the work myself, designed the POD, and hired a fabricator to weld it together for me. Engines were installed by the local Mercury dealer - included in the engine purchase. Engines are twin 2008 Mercury Verado 300XXL counter rotating - 850hrs each.

If anyone is working on or considering a similar project, I would be glad to offer any of my experience gained with this project if it’s helpful. Before I started, I questioned weather this was a practical undertaking or a foolish idea to even consider. I’m glad to say the result is a wonderful performing boat with excellent fuel economy, greatly improved hole-shot, and a constant conversation piece.

The boat was in rough shape - neglected on a farm for 2 years under a leaky tarp, after a budget refit was done 2 years prior. The engines weren’t running well, one was original 1200hrs. One of the OMC cobra drives had a blown seal and water in the leg, the other needed drive shaft bearings, bellows. Alternators weren’t charging right, starters were slow, hydraulics leaked oil, and the list goes on. Tired old engines and drives - boat was worthless

I had thought of converting the boat but always assumed it was too big. What do I do with it? I found a guy on YouTube who converted the same boat using twin Yamaha 200’s. Looked like it worked ok and I got in touch. After exchanging a few messages I decided to give it some more thought. Then the engines came - dealer was basically giving them away (twin 300XXL are hard to move) so I pulled the trigger.

The project went as expected - except for the fiberglass work. 6 of 8 weeks were spent doing fiberglass/hull work. First day didn’t go well - cut in to find the transom and stringers were all rotten. Had to do a complete rebuild anyways so I decided to add some significant reinforcement with vertical stiffeners on the transom, gussets tying the stringers in, and upgrading the stringers from 2x6 to 2x8. Transom is standard 1-1/2 plywood.

The performance difference is really incredible. The boat was a real dog to get on plane before - now it’s smooth and effortless. The POD keeps the aft end up on its own - trim tabs are still there but not needed. Top speed so far is 46mph @ 5500 on a mill pond. The boat starts to porpoise after that. Fiddling with weight fore and aft and trim would prob fix that but I don’t need to go that fast.. Still getting the propeller pitch sorted out - I have 14.5x17 revolution props now - going down to 15” pitch soon in hope of getting the RPM up to 6000. I’m really happy with the Verados - controls are great and I can’t believe how quiet they are. Fuel consumption is 40-50% lower than the previous engines. Good job Mercury!

I would be glad for any feedback, questions, and comments. I have a few pics to post and lots more
available if anyone is interested in anything in particular.

Happy Boating!

 

[tpenfield]

That looks like a great project. It seems that outboards are 'the thing' these days. the outboard conversion is probably like having a new boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Welcome aboard

 

[Alumarine]

End result looks good, well done!