retrofit pod drives?

[goboating]

My boat has Cat 3208ta in it and V-drives. To get better docking and handling out of the boat I wonder if you can retrofit pods to a hull? The boat is a Viking 48 sport cruiser. This is starting to be something I need to think about. Do I repower with newer digital diesel's, go the complete engine system(IPS,Zues,etc),I'm not sure. Or..do the pods now and newer engines in a few years? I've got sometime to think about this trying to get some advice.

 

[QC]

Re: retrofit pod drives?

If all you want is better docking and handling at low speeds why not a bow thruster? I suppose anything can be done if budget is not a concern. What's your goal with "digital" diesels? There are definite weight savings to be had, are these 375s? 425's?

 

[Don S]

Re: retrofit pod drives?

Here is a section from the Volvo IPS installation manual for a D4 and D6 engine used on boats from 35 to 50 feet.
Not a lot of details, but you will get the idea what it's going to take. The engines are pretty much integrated into the design, so not sure your Cat's are even an option with the IPS setup. Going to be spendy too. I would guess between 200,000 and 400,000 for the conversion.


http://www.4shared.com/document/70yC_YzK/IPS.html