from I/O to outboards?

[greentahoe]

I'm looking at my 23' Proline with an OMC I/O that sometimes gives me fits. It's a 1984 walkaround cuddy. I really like the boat, it's a good place to stand while I'm fishing. I got the silly notion that it would be nice to replace the I/O with either a 200 or so hp outboard, or better yet, a pair of outboards of about 110-115 hp each. <br />I realize that this would be a large job, but how well does such a conversion work? I would fish farther offshore than I do now, but before I do I'd really like the security of that second engine hanging on the transom.<br />Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

i think by the time you buy the engines, due the conversion, with controls etc. you can trade your boat for what you want. or very close

 

[bamadave]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

If you want a boat with an outboard, BUY one. Outboard boats have had a lot of money spent on research and development designing the transom to support the weight. Unless you are familiar with marine construction, load support, etc., not recommended.

 

[KaGee]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

I agree with both of the above. Transoms on I/O's, especially yours, do not have to support the weight or the power load. Therefore they are not usually structurally able to handle an outboard without significant modification other than patching the hole. I know some have done it, but as to the bottom line performance and structure, who knows if it's worth it. I would never knowingly buy a modded boat like that.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

its very easy to "help" the transom with aluminium.<br />ive seen many conversions that work extremely well.<br /><br />in my city there are at least 3 places that can do this. 1 that i would recommend.<br /><br />the last conversion i re-rigged from twin 4cyl omc to twin 250hp suzuki's worked very well.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

green---price it out.<br /><br />According to the Kelly blue book, your boat is worth $2900 to about $4K on trade, depending on horsepower and condition. Good luck getting a dealer to take it off your hands if it has the OMC stringer drive.<br /><br />If you really like the boat, conversion will cost $12k or more, with used motors, unless you do the work.<br /><br />Then you still have a 1984 hull.<br /><br />I think I would look at investing in a newer rig for offshore action.

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

A while back I saw a swim platform/outboard conversion package, the motor or motors mounted to the swim platform then the whole works mounted to the boat.<br />I don't know if it was a good idea or not, I can't find the company online anymore.

 

[KaGee]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

Originally posted by olbuddyjack:<br /> <br />I don't know if it was a good idea or not, I can't find the company online anymore.

Hmmmmm.... good or bad idea?? I think the situation speaks for itself if you can't locate them anymore.

 

[greentahoe]

Re: from I/O to outboards?

Actually, there's probably not much on such a conversion that I couldn't do myself. Heck, I do everything else, why not this? But really, it's just an idea that I most likely will never do anything with.