inboard repair or outboard conversion?

[gooders]

For those of you good enough to give me some advice this weekend especially you bond-o (big thanks, note no-caps!) I am visiting a marine engineer in the morning as I think I have managed to sieze up my 1988 Cobra 3.0l inboard.
Anyway a friend suggested that the option of a replacement inboard may be very expensive and the option of a complete removal and installation of an outboard could be the answer. The boat is a 4winns Freedom 160 bowridrer, I have seen simalar boats with outboards fitted, but how difficult is it to do, is it feasible? Obviously there will be a hole in the stern but I think that could be sorted.But what about the fuel supply and the throttle, could I still use the existing fuel tank to supply the outboard and would the existing ignition and throttle still be useable. Any thoughts guys would be appreciated(still in mourning over my engine, what a bad weekend!)

 

[Dakota47]

Re: inboard repair or outboard conversion?

Just buy a new motor(2.5/3.0 liter chevy 4 banger), it is way cheaper than a conversion. you can pick one up for $600 (long block - checker autoparts)and do the swap.

 

[Don S]

Re: inboard repair or outboard conversion?

An I/O boat does not have a transom thick enough or braced enough for a big outboard. It can be made that way, but it will probably end up a real hack job if it's like most I see that thought that was an option.
If you don't want to fix it with a new or rebuilt motor, get another boat that has what you want.
It will be a lot cheaper and better running than a change from io to ob.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: inboard repair or outboard conversion?

Don it telling you right as aways. Again it can be done, but you are looking at much more work and modifications that you wish. The best job I ever saw done of it was a reinforced transom with an aluminum motor bracket hanging off of it.

 

[gooders]

Re: inboard repair or outboard conversion?

Thanks guys.I thought the conversion may not be worth the trouble.I noticed that when my engine decided to give upon me there wasa lot of oil sitting on top of the exhaust manifold, at least it looked like oil. Spoke to someone today suggested that maybe its the sign of an oil system blockage and that the damage caused may not be as severe as first thought. Unfortunately guys, I live in England and I wish I could get an engine for $600 !! I have checked around and the cheapest used, not recon I can see is nearly a 1000 thats ?s not dollars, do the math! When it comes to boats the UK is very pricey.Do you think the oil could have been forced up due to a blockage somewhere?