Ok I've been doing some thinking

[deerslayer303]

Hello Everyone,

I've been pondering this all day, so I want some opinions. I don't think this will be cost effective, but it has its advantages. I have a '78 Grady White 212 Chesapeake with an I/O Merc 470, now while this engine and outdrive so far work great (haven't water tested yet). One day something will go wrong with engine outdrive and when this happens, I was thinking maybe I will do an Outboard conversion. What all is involved with that? Of course a new transom would be in order, along with a bracket. Is this something that is more trouble than its worth? Since the I/O is rated at 170hp a 175 h.p. Outboard would be in order right? Or maybe a set of twins. It would free up floor space, easier maintenance over the I/O, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

Urrrrr sure you can go with a 175 OB but not advisable at all. We have not had anyone who has been happy with a conversion from IO to OB.

A better choice if the 470 dies is to repair it. There is a flood of 470's that people do not want or go with another power/drive combo.

 

[dbkerley]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

I have both and in similar circumstances.

135hp 2 stroke outboard on approx. #2000 boat
165hp 4 stroke in/out on approx #2000 boat

The outboard burns more fuel, is louder, and is generally more tempermental. In short, that boat hasn't even had the cover removed since last year and I'm not too hurried about geting it done.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

I think it would be a lot work not worth doing. As Bob said no one has been happy with an IO OB conversion. Plus I believe you'll have weight distribution issues.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

I agree with the OB conversion points noted. The big problem is going to be weight distribution, especially with twins. You're moving weight aft to the transom (engine weight) and maybe farther with a bracket, and adding even more if you use twins.

Your boat was designed for a specific type of drive system, and it likely won't work as well with a very different one, sorry. It's been done by folks occasionally, but I don't know of any wildly successful projects that did it.

If you really want a boat with outboards, sell the currently working 470 and buy one.

If you just want to get rid of the 470, do it now before it breaks and sell off the parts.. there are people with 470 drives that need to repair them and can't find some parts easily.

Replace the 470 with another merc 4 cylinder and you can keep the lower unit if you like. Or for more power put in a vortec v6 small block and a modern alpha III drive, both of which are reliable and very easy to get parts for.

One note on noise: Most new outboards are very quiet, quieter than the old inboard engines. The Vortec would likely be somewhere in between.

Erik

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

You see that's the problem if we don't put our thinking into check. My wife got it in her head that she wanted me to rip out and replace the shower stall. Why? So it would add about 2 inches in width & be flush with a closet wall. More work that what its worth.

 

[Revenge]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

Has anyone notched there I/O transom to except an outboard as opose to adding a bracket and elimate the caterlevered weight?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

A lot has to do with hull design, the classic seacraft guys love brackets.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB3&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=

talk to Herm, he does one boat after another and will know if the Grady is suitable.
http://www.hermco.net/

btw, if you cut the transom to install an outboard you'll lose another 2-3 feet for a splashwell plus open the stern to the sea, not the best idea.

The seacraft guys do it so they can close the stern off and eliminate the splashwell.

I would try the Grady owners website and talk to someone who's already done it.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

Has anyone notched there I/O transom to except an outboard as opose to adding a bracket and elimate the caterlevered weight?

Yes.

It didn't work very well.

18' Starcraft with an OMC Stringer (way worse than the 470) that I yanked the motor out of, notched the transom and hung a 115 off the back.

Motor vented something bad. Tried a jackplate and it still vented something bad. Plus I was using a lot of fuel compared to what I thought I should.

Solution was to buy an 18' Starcraft built for an outboard. Goes faster, uses less fuel and makes me a lot happier. Same motor and about the same weight for the boat. but the motor is just much happier. Plus I ended up hooking the hull on the first one. I need to clean it out and sell it for scrap.

Buddy has a one-of-a-kind boat (built by a now out of business, local company that built sailboats but made this one 21 foot cruiser) with a 470. Had the alternator added , gets it serviced fall and spring and is a real nice boat with loads of power. If I had the inclination for a non-fishing boat, I'd buy it off him.

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: Ok I've been doing some thinking

Wow, Thanks fella's lots of great input, that pretty much settle's it then. I won't do it. The 470 purrs like a kitten, so I'll stick with it for now. I want to do some Gulf Stream fishing so two engines would be great. Maybe I'll just put a kicker on the ole Grady, pick a good day and tear out. 21' plus Outboard Grady's are out there and readily available.