I/O to outboard?

[jklett]

I have a 17 foot runabout that I have to gut and rebuild(only the hull is solid), and it has a Volvo-Penta I/O that is pretty much shot. I want to convert this to outboard, and was wondering whether I should cut down the transom(rebuilt and braced of course), or build a bracket so I can gain more room inside the cockpit? I need some advice as to what would be my best bet, as this is a "budget" project and can't afford an $800 Gil bracket. Oh, by the way, I've built a couple of stitch and glue boats already, and am an excellent 'glass man, so making sturdy stuff is not a problem. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[G DANE]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Hi Jason Klett<br /><br />I´ve seen both done sucessfully. Personally, i Would lean to the bracket version, as you get a swim platform for free. If you want, you can build flotation ( lift ) into the bracket and make a nice design too. Just dont make a too long set-back. Remember your boat did carry the weight inside, and though an outboard is much lighter, you move center of gravity back. Stay within 1 feet. Thus the flotation type to keep balance in boat for better handling. You will gain plenty of space if you redesign inner of boat, in the range of 2 - 3 extra feet.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Hey GDane, I've asked this before but you did not answer. Just curious. Your english is both excellent and colloquialy American. Are you native Dutch and if so how did you learn to speak/write so well and with an American syntax?

 

[JB]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Interesting question, Boomyal.<br /><br />I agree with G Dane, Jason. A bracket would gain you a lot of interior room and lighten the boat as well.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[jklett]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Thanks for the replies, looks like a bracket it is! Now for what may seem to be a boneheaded question: should I make the top of the bracket to be 20" up from where the keel would be? Also, should I keep the same degree of slant as the transom? You'll have to excuse my ignorance in this matter as I've only seen pictures of these brackets and can't judge the angles or dimensions from them. One last thing: I've seen what appears to be a bracket that is made to be an extension of the running surface all the way to the sides. Is this what G Dane meant by added flotation aft?

 

[BRIAN03]

Re: I/O to outboard?

bracket

 

[G DANE]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Boomyal and JB <br /><br />Sorry to dissapoint you, I am plain Danish !<br /><br />I learned English at school, but had the opportunity to stay in your country for a couple of weeks when I was young. I love your language. I worked in the airline business selling spareparts all over the world 27 years ago, that gave my English a lift too. I build my first wooden boat when I was 12 years old, together with my dad, and I always loved boats and sailing. As almost any kind of motor always attracted me too, outboards became my favorite.

 

[G DANE]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Jason:<br /><br />I would definately choose 20" transom height, as most motors in the range you need, will come with 20" shaft. Concerning the angle of transom, I´d take a look at some other 17' boats with outboard setup, and produce the same angle in your bracket, to make it possible to get necessary trim angles.

 

[JB]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Not disappointed at all, G Dane. I suspected as much.<br /><br />I've known a number of Europeans that have greater mastery of English than many Americans.

 

[G DANE]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Thanks JB<br /><br />I enjoy this board much and I am amazed by all the helpfullness and by all the unselfish people who help others out. <br /><br />It actually improved my English skills a lot too

 

[Boomyal]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Au contraire (a little F***** lingo there), GDane. No dissappointment just admiration. It sure makes it easier for you to impart your excellent knowledge and experience here. In 1970 I drove a motorcycle thru Denmark, coming down from Stockholm. I spent a day at Tivoli Gardens, in Copenhagen, and went to a movie theater to see Richard Harris in 'A man called Horse'. I was amazed that all english language films were shown in the original language with Danish sub-titles. <br /><br />My original intentions of going to the movie were to see an english speaking movie in a foreign language. Wanted to absorb a little local culture. I expected to have to read english subtitles.<br /><br />The Danes were very friendly to a young American. More than I could say for the rest of Scandinavia during the Vietnam Era. The Swedes, in Stockholm were the worst.

 

[G DANE]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Boomyal - Glad to hear you were here.<br /><br />Lots of people here are still gratefull for the support American and English troups gave us towards the end of WWII. I guess thats only one of the reason American people are so popular here.<br /><br />Another is the friendly attitude Americans show when they are travelling, whatever job or vacation is the purpose. We also have several large America companies here in Denmark, all knows for good business traditions. I was only 14 in 70´ but I remember "A Man called Horse" - tough movie.

 

[G DANE]

Re: I/O to outboard?

Jason <br /><br />take a look at this site to get some ideas. That was the flotation I was thinking about : http://www.armstrongnautical.com/Repower.htm <br /><br />Browse a little around their site - good luck.

 

[scamper]

Re: I/O to outboard?

G DANE, it appears a promotion is due!