Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

[Grant Brown]

1993 Spectrum fish and ski in good condition, 4.3 Mercruiser w alpha 1 getting tired so I've been thinking of repowering.
I have always liked the newer Honda or Yamaha big 4 strokes so I got to wondering what it would take to repower with an outboard on a pod instead of the inboard. Would probably be lighter and would certainly give me a heck of a lot more room inside.
Any opinions out there?

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

Search the forums for IO to OB conversion. It's been done and discussed quite a bit. Can be done, but be prepared for a bunch of work.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

The latest issue of Boating had an article along these lines. Bigger boat, but some great data... see link http://www.boatingmag.com/engines/recycle-reuse-repower

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

Well..... the Spectrum is an aluminum hull isn't it? You can remove the 4.3 (great motor IMO) and rebuild the transom to hold an outboard but you will need to build a splashwell. OR You could mount a bracket on the back and mount the motor off the back of the transom but with an aluminum boat you will have balance issues. 4 strokes weigh quit a bit.

Proably the easiest solution in the long run is stay with what you have OR sell the boat and look for one with an outboard which would be cheaper in the long run if you are determined.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

If your Alpha is in good working condition, a remanned 4.3 would probably be the most cost effective solution.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

Rapido Marine Engine.

4.3
Long Block (with heads):
$1450
[ No core charge & only $150 shipping ].

 

[Grant Brown]

Re: Repower 4.3 Merc W Outboard on Pod?

Yeah, I love my boat but there are so many issues involved with the conversion. I will stay with the 4.3 and when I'm going to repower it will be long block time, most likely rapido.