I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

That warranty is an accrual amount, based on about a 17% failure rate, and the average price of the parts and labor

So, if the accrual was at little/no profit . . . Figuring $3k for 3 year extension and 17% needing repair during the extension period . . .

1/(0.17) x $3,000 = $17,647/repair (which seems high)

I figure that there must be a fair amount of profit in the pricing

 

[redneck joe]

Warranties are a high margin profit center for a business.

 

[tpenfield]

As I look at engines, particularly in the Yamaha and Suzuki product lines, I am finding the model numbers as clear as mud. . .

The first part of the model numbers are pretty straight forward, the last few digits seems to be all over the place

Example . . . the model F300X is 25" shaft, . . . F300U is 30" shaft . . . L prefix (LF300) is counter rotation . . . For the rest of the model number (2-3 more digits) there is Digital Electronic Controls (DEC) to consider and Digital Electronic Steering (DES) to consider, but it is not clear as to the designations.

You will have a tip of my hat and a hearty handshake for folks who can explain the rest of it.

The reason that I ask is that as I get quotes, I'd like to verify the model numbers from another source, so as to avoid any surprises after the fact.

 

[Pmt133]

Thinking about it... most model designations don't make sense. Like how the le is the low end in toyotas line up but then the XLE hybrid is near the top for starting but somehow you can get more in the SE... I think its intentional.

 

[tpenfield]

In the area of engines, I finally got some clarity on Joystick piloting of Mercruiser vs Mercury.

Here is a summary from Google AI. . .

"The Mercury outboard equivalent of the MerCruiser Axius system is Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO). Both technologies are part of Mercury's broader Joystick Piloting System (JPS) and provide similar 360-degree, low-speed maneuvering and docking capabilities.

Comparison of Axius and JPO

Feature	Mercruiser Axius	Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO)
Engine Type	For twin MerCruiser sterndrive applications.	For multi-engine (dual, triple, or quad) Verado outboard applications. It is also available for single outboards with a bow thruster.
Maneuverability	Controls independently articulating Bravo Three sterndrives to provide joystick control for sideways movement, rotation, and docking.	Works by independently moving each outboard for precise control. With a simple twist of the joystick, the boat can be made to move sideways, diagonally, or spin on its own axis.
Technology	The system was developed using technology from the Zeus pod drive system.	Extends the same technology from Axius and Zeus to the outboard market.
Advanced Features	Features like the "Skyhook" digital anchor system, which holds the boat in a fixed GPS position, are also included in the Axius package.	Includes the same suite of advanced features, such as the "Skyhook" digital anchor, "Bowhook," and "Drifthook".

"
I recall that someone ( @vroom ZOOM ) had mentioned that I’d probably loose Axius on the conversion. My understanding is that Merc has not offered JPO on re-powers unless the boat previously had joystick. Not sure if that has changed.

Since I’m indifferent about the brand, the ability to have a joystick becomes a priority. It may favor Yammy and Zuke.

 

[tpenfield]

OK - I've done some quick reading on the Optimus joystick stuff. I think I got my head wrapped around it now . . .It looks like either Mercury or Suzuki engines brands will require Optimus in order to get joystick, Yamaha has Helm Master EX.

So, I'm going to confer with the re-power shop as things get finalized, but I'm anticipating a take-out of most (if not all) of the Mercruiser controls and electronics as part of the prep-work.

 

[Stinnett21]

Following but getting lost. Do I understand correctly that you're building the bracket yourself but contracting out the actual repower? You are in the northeast right? Aren't most repower contractors in FL? If you build the bracket yourself won't that affect warranties?

 

[tpenfield]

Following but getting lost. Do I understand correctly that you're building the bracket yourself but contracting out the actual repower? You are in the northeast right? Aren't most repower contractors in FL? If you build the bracket yourself won't that affect warranties?

Yes, DIY bracket, and using re-power shop for the engines and controls (exact shop still to be determined).

Plenty of re-power shops in the northeast. There are about a dozen within 25 miles of me. Where there are boats, there are re-power shops.

Engine warranties would not be impacted by the bracket to the best of my knowledge. If it did come up, I have some Naval Architect leads to review the bracket aspects.

 

[tpenfield]

Here is another reason to go outboards . . .
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At least the engines/props would be clean

 

[Lou C]

WOW I've been boating in the Long Island Sound area for over 20 years and never seen anything like that! In fact I pulled my boat recently to fix a few things and all I had on the outdrive was a light coating of slime and a few barnacles. That stuff, I have never seen!

 

[flashback]

Surprised the trim tab even worked, what is all that ship. Barnacles?

 

[tpenfield]

Yes, the past few years has been a lot of sea moss. I use the same AF paint as I always have, but perhaps I need something different.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Ted, maybe you need to use your boat more

Moss doesn't gather on a rolling stone

Marine growth can't start on a moving vessel

 

[redneck joe]

Papa was a rolling stone.

 

[redneck joe]

Wherever he laid his hat... gathered moss?

 

[tpenfield]

Ted, maybe you need to use your boat more

Moss doesn't gather on a rolling stone

Marine growth can't start on a moving vessel

late August - September is tough on the boats . . . always has been around these waters. I should plan a mid-season haul-out for a quick power wash and re-paint. The sea moss is a new thing . . . maybe it likes this boat. Never saw it on my previous boats.

 

[dingbat]

late August - September is tough on the boats . . . always has been around these waters. I should plan a mid-season haul-out for a quick power wash and re-paint. The sea moss is a new thing . . . maybe it likes this boat. Never saw it on my previous boats.

What is this “sea moss” which you speak?
Never heard of such a thing.

Google comes up with Irish Sea moss which is edible

 

[tpenfield]

What is this “sea moss” which you speak?
Never heard of such a thing.

Google comes up with Irish Sea moss which is edible

IDK . . . I Googled it a few years ago and that term seemed to come up. It does not seem to mind the AF paint . . . There was a lot of growth this year.

 

[alldodge]

IDK . . . I Googled it a few years ago and that term seemed to come up. It does not seem to mind the AF paint . . . There was a lot of growth this year.

Wonder if it has something to do with all the new electrical stuff installed

 

[tpenfield]

Focusing on the design, I did some force calculations just to see if things look reasonable . . .
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I did not take the buoyancy of the extension pod into consideration, just the weight of the engines and pod/bracket. 3K + lbs at the top of the transom seems a bit high, but the design allows that to be spread across quite a bit of area and fasteners.
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I figure 10-12 bolts in tension and about 30 bolts in shear as per the highlighted fastener locations in the illustration above. It should be fine.

Overall, I'm expecting about a 2" change in the static waterline at the stern (the boat will float higher at the stern). I may want to shift some weight towards the stern, and should be able to do so with the engine bay becoming a storage compartment.