jack shaft conversions

[johndezman]

when i go off to my fantasy world, i dream of a late 70's sea ray 30' weekender.<br /><br />i know that when new, there was a choice of i/o; v-drive and straight inboard. i also recall reading an old boat test in a magazine indicating that the i/o with twin 233 mercruiser's was a 40-42 mph boat while the straight inboard is 33 at best.<br /><br />this brings me to my question. i'd like to consider converting a straight inboard boat to a jackshaft i/o. my thaughts are that the overall balance would not be upset and i'd gain the efficiency and manueverability.<br /><br />does anyone know where info on installing a jackshaft setup can be obtained?

 

[cannonfodder]

Re: jack shaft conversions

Do you really want to go with all that high maintenance riggin' for a maybe ? 7 or 8 mph? I hope not. Bryce

 

[johndezman]

Re: jack shaft conversions

its not only the added speed but the DECREASE in fuel burn associated with running the same speed at lower rpm.<br /><br />also on lake erie, thunderstorms come up pretty quick and turn a pleasant day nasty in short order so its nice to be able to beat the crowd back to the dock. so i can be sipping a nice cold one when the rest are still on their way back in!