project repower

[magnumdeke]

So here is the hypothetical, want to rebuild a 26" tinny, motor tha in i is the dreaded 470. I understand the 470 problems, could live with it as I am mechanicaly capable but......... If I repower, motor, drive what combines reliability, ability to troll to fishing speeds, availibility of parts and can be set up for closed cooling reasonably inexspensively for cold weather running? Want to look for donor boat and add closed cooling to run in MI 10 months a year. Is it reasonable to do with I/O or is out board the way to go?, probally I would add a larger kicker anyways for trolling and to have a get me home motor. what can a guy used to being on the water all year unless it is solid do?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: project repower

Howdy,


Are you asking what I/O engine and drive should be used to replace your 2 Johnsons?


I would want to investigate if that model boat EVER came with an I/O.

Changing to an I/O would change the CG (Center of Gravity) That might be good or very bad. I know it's done though. It would make for a loss of elbow room in the back of the boat.

I would probably replace with a fairly late model 3.0L Mercruiser Alpha GEN II setup. (or single 100 hp Evinrude ETEC!!)


Regards,



Rick

 

[Alpheus]

Re: project repower

want to rebuild a 26" tinny, motor tha in i is the dreaded 470

Dont see anything about Johnsons, but do agree with the 3.0 swap...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: project repower

I personally would stick with the 470. It is as reliable as any other engine, as far as running goes. The known issues are: will blow head gasket if overheated, waterpump cam seals will ware out and the charging system is not very good. All of which should be no big deal for someone that knows his way around an engine. The HUGE advantage for your particular case is that you can "winterize" your boat in 2 minutes right on the ramp when you pull it out after a trip. Just pull the boat plug, and the aft drain plug on the exchanger and 2 minutes later you are done. When you get home,make sure the power steering cooler drained, and put the plug back in and you are ready for the next trip. I looked into repowering a 470 and it was way too much time and money. With a 26' boat you would want a minimum of a 4.3 for the repower. Good luck.

 

[Bondo]

Re: project repower

Want to look for donor boat and add closed cooling to run in MI 10 months a year.

Ayuh,... Adding a closed cooling system does absolutely Nothing to help boatin' in Freezing weather....

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: project repower

As stated a 3.0 on a 26' boat is not gonna get it done. I'm guessing this boat is a 26 Islander type, and in that case the 22' Islanders are powered by a 190hp 4.3L and it's proper, but the 26' in my opinion should have at least 30hp more than that.