in board to outboard conversion!

[Phoenixfirewalker]

what do i need to do to convert my 1985 welcraft 26' cruiser from inboard to outboard???

I know I need to reinforce that transom but need the instructions.
will put 2 225 outboards yamaha or rudes

anyone know the work to be done?

 

[Nico2112]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

In no way I'm a qualified fiberglass repair guy, but I'm sure the transom can be sealed (your outdrive hole) and an outboard bracket could be installed.

Something like this:

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

Uhhhhh not a good idea. Give this thread a few days and people will respond. I have never seen a conversion that worked right OR heard of one.

It would be less headaches to re-power totally even with a new outdrive

 

[Nico2112]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

Sorry I gave a bad idea

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

Hello Phoenixfirewalker..

Ive never done an IO.. just an inboard to out..

Your boat has different characteristics though..

You might run into ballast problems to begin with. how much do those bad boys weigh? You could check to see issues with a few plastic containers hanging off your back..

Another is steering .. you might check into how you would set up your cables and such..

Just suggestions..

YD.

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

I live in PR and we are not fond on I/O and its very comon to see the conversion. we only have saltwater and plenty barnicles
I hear they reinforse those transoms but havent a clue how. I know its a lot of wood, glass and rresin.

more suggestions please

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

I guess we are all aware of costs, balance, and the frustrations you may go through....... that's why I said look into repowering the boat.

What does it have right now? What outdrive? What engine? Want dual power..... install a kicker

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

what is a kicker?


I want 2 225 outboards!!!! thats all I want
I navigate in open sea from Puerto Rico to St. Marteen and all the island in between

 

[jakebrake]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

saw step by step on another site. 75 caravelle (guess what site) rebulit the transom, re-glassed it, sealed the inside with epoxy, hung an armstrong bracket and a new outboard. looked pretty good too.

only issue i saw was cables running through the gunwale (according to the owner, it was un avoidable) he loves it.

it was kinda pricey though.

 

[getusummm]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

It has been done many times, although it is an awful lot of work . I am converting from a single transom mounted outboard, to a fully closed in, bracket mounted twins. Take a look at my project for an idea of some the work involved: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=317845

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

what is a kicker?


I want 2 225 outboards!!!! thats all I want
I navigate in open sea from Puerto Rico to St. Marteen and all the island in between

Am I gettin this right.. you want your modded 26' wellcraft to take you from PR to St. Marteen? ( actually its St Maarten ) .. I know because Ive sailed around St. Thomas.. Puerto Rico..and all the Islands down to Grenada.

You nav those Islands ? really...

YD.

PS. done here....

 

[Mark42]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

If you want to do it, there are quite a few companies that make the correct brackets to do just that. I know a lot of people on these boards think its a bad idea, but just talk to the off shore fishing guys. They often convert from inboard to dual outboards with improved performance, handling and fuel economy.

Do a search on outboard brackets in yahoo or google and join an off shore boating forum. Thats where you will get the right answers and experience.

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

yes , i do navegate those waters from PR to st. maarten
and the island in between. was just at st thomas for the carnival last month
going to culebra on thrus. thats my bag, thats what I like doing. was doing it on a 1974 23, bertram Moppie with a cruising quarters conversion a little odd looking but great for my trips and the previous owner who was a mechanic in the islands aboard that boat for 30 yrs. Now powered by a 200hp o/b yamaha that old boat has been up and down the caribbean way to many times to bother counting. with me and with the previous capt.

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

but doing those trips on just one engine is a little risky although I bought it with enough brand new parts to make another engine in the middle of the sea. the old man was very much on top of everything. he even cryed when he sold it to mr. but his parkingsons didnt allow him to work or navigate any more.

I have the brackets and i know the conversion is messy and costly
did I mention i want 2/ 225s on it?!!

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

getussummmm
great link , great project.

I see the and understand most so far. whayis 1808?
what are knees? what will help hold that transom in place?
is project finished?
more pics?

thanks!

 

[getusummm]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

Phoenix, 1808 is a biaxial mat. Two layers of cloth with a backing of mat. It add alot of strength and builds up quicker than using individual layers. Knees are basically triangular pieces that go from the stringers to the upper transom to add more support to the transom. The transom core is "glued" to the outer transom skin, and then glassed with the 1808 wrapping around to the sides and hull bottom.

Right now, thats all the pics I have. I am still working on it. Probably be a few more months before the boat is completely done due to work and other projects at home.

I would suggest going to classic mako and classic seacraft and search in the projects pages for more info on how to rebuild and close in a transom. Iboats has some very good projects, but most are smaller. There are lots of good projects and how tos here though.

 

[jonesg]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

knees, these are in a bracket. They'r actually made from foam.!

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

cool

what next?
how do I reinforce the knees?

 

[jonesg]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

they are glassed. thats it.

 

[Phoenixfirewalker]

Re: in board to outboard conversion!

anything else?
any more guidelines?
photos?