Outboard Installation - Bare hull

[QC]

I am looking at a bare theft recovery hull as a possible project. I have always wanted and OB, but to this point have only owned I/Os. My question is regarding the match of controls and gauges. This boat will require something in the 200 bhp category. If I do this I will probably buy used power. Now to the questions:<br /><br />1) Do all, late model (1995 and up), outboards require factory controls, gauges and wiring harnesses?<br /><br />2) Are these packages available used? I don't see any complete listings on Ebay for example.<br /><br />3) What would be a good estimate for cost on a complete used setup? New? (not the motor, the other stuff)<br /><br />I have previously installed a complete I/O in a bare hull and think this actually sounds a lot easier, but I just don't have any previous experience with OBs. Thanks.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

Iboats.com has a pretty good listing of used outboards.<br /> Iboats used outboards <br /><br />There are many other internet sites that have used outboards some with, some without controls. That will give you a ball park on the price. Then you could enquire here to see if anyone has had experience with the place you're considering to see if it seems a good risk.<br /><br />As for controls- I may be wrong, but I believe the aftermarket control makers make connections/adapters for the major brands of outboards. You can certainly buy OEM controls for any engine as well.

 

[QC]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

Thanks. I have the motors all priced out. That has been pretty easy. It is the completeness of the controls, wiring harness and gauges that I am struggling with. I am trying to estimate the costs a little closer. When I built the I/O boat, I had a lot of help, because I bought the hull from the manufacturer, he sold me their standard Merc wiring harness and the gauges, so match was not an issue. Thanks again, I haven't searched much further than Ebay, Stem to Stern and here so far, I'll keep digging.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

When you're pricing things, here's what I think you need for basic rigging:<br /><br />Steering wheel, steering "box", and cable control - or a hydraulic system. (I use cable for a large 235 HP outboard, it works fine). You need suitable length of cable<br /><br />Control box with cables/wiring harness of suitable length. Various OEM and aftermarket options available - main question is how you intend to mount it. I believe if you specify the engine make/model, you just need to specify the length needed and the cables and wiring harness will come ready to connect and go.<br /><br />Basic gauge package: tachometer, voltmeter, trim gauge. Trim gauge also requires trim sender at engine which may or may not be there already. Water pressure gauge would be next, maybe speedometer (or get a dash mounting bracket for your GPS), fuel gauges if you have built in tanks, and/or fuel flow meter which would work with built in or portable. Some engines have a OEM multi-gauge they use for all or most of this.<br /><br />Fuel line, water sep. filter, fuel tank (s).<br /><br />When you specify cable and hose lengths, make sure you allow for the fact they don't run from the helm area to the engine in a straight line <br /><br />I could give guess at prices for all of this, but it depends on the quality etc. you're looking for and it should be very easy to look up anyway. I really think this would be about it for rigging, but hopefully others will chime in if I missed something.

 

[QC]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

Thanks again. Yes, I understand the helm to engine measurement issues. Thanks for the reminder on the steering, doh! I did find a Teleflex 6 gauge package on iboats last night. Controls are fairly straight forward too, but I still struggle with the harness . . . Also I am comfortable with the fuel tanks and connections for that.<br /><br />Here's a look at her. 1995 Lavey Sebring 20.8. Based on a Mod VP racing hull. I've always wanted one since the first time I saw one turn at high speed. I figure around 70 MPH with a 200. Too small and fast for the family, but a nice little mid-life crisis project, that I may make a few bucks off of . . . <br /><br />

<br /><br />

 

[Ron G]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

Sweet,how about 250??more power more speed.<br /> Does the hull have steps?

 

[QC]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

No on steps. I'm probably wasting everybody's time, because I won't do it if I can't make a buck. We'll see. Economics look OK at first glance. Needs everything except a bilge pump. Thieves left that . . .<br /><br />Edit: Never mind, it just sold out from under me . . .

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

Originally posted by QC:<br /> Edit: Never mind, it just sold out from under me . . .

It must have been a good deal, for somebody.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

Just out of curiosity...how much did it sell for?

 

[QC]

Re: Outboard Installation - Bare hull

I got this note from the guy today:<br /><br />"he took the other boats i had that were junkers so I just threw it in the deal for hauling the others away. I'm right next to perris lake and we get some real winners out there." <br /><br />The flippin' thing was on Ebay and it was at around $600 with two days left. I'd have paid at least $1500. <br /><br />Now, I'm gonna try and find the new guy . . .