rotary outboard engines

F

flatsman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 18, 2001
Messages
109
Does anyone know of a rotary engine conversion engine to replace the piston engine? In other words just replacement of the top end. Thanks in advance :p :p
 
H

hondon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
1,922
Re: rotary outboard engines

OMC produced rotary powered outboards in the 70's for the racing circuit.They did quite well with them,and why the idea fizzled I don't know.There is no rotary conversion that I am aware of though this could become the next new wave.
 
D

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: rotary outboard engines

Timing was what got them. They were indeed VERY powerful and fast. As you might guess they were not very fuel efficeint and the 70's were not a good time to be that way. It would indeed be interesting to see what would happen with todays technology. <br /><br />I remember watching Jimbo (single OMC rotary) ride outside of R Molonari (twin Mercs) for half of the race at the old Miami Marine Stadium. They ran neck and neck and the crowd went nuts. On the halfway lap Jimbo waved and was gone. He lapped Molonari and the crowd was bored. LOL!<br /><br />Oh well.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: rotary outboard engines

Fuel consumption and problems keeping the rotors sealed against the crankcase added to their demise. Also, they were VERY expensive to machine.
 
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