Switch from I/O to Outboard??

[Jdip83]

Hey guys.

I recently bought a 1967 17ft Astro Comet with a Merc 120 I/O
The haul is in great shape. But the motor and my guess is the drive needs a lot of work hasn't run since 91'
It has been on land so that's one good thing sorta
it does turn over but only manually
needs new starter
Carb rebuilt
who knows what else.
My guess is the block needs to be gone thru with a fine tooth comb so I don't run into issues later. Do it once and right not halfway.

The Drive Unit I haven't gone thru yet. Big fear that something huge is going to be wrong and it's gonna cost me 300 to 800 to fix it
My thing is
Do I spend the 400+ $ to fix the drive unit or do I
Spend 800 and get a used Outboard one that runs and I can remove my out drive and motor and fix the transom

I want to Fish not ski
bays rivers and lakes is where I'll be primarily bays and deltas
Troll and anchor

My thing is
what Outboard do I want?
Is it worth it?
What to look out for?

This is my first boat but I am mechanically inclined

Thanks
And anything would help



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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=38.292730,-122.279201

 

[F_R]

Re: Switch from I/O to Outboard??

I hate to blow out your light, but I fear you are about to dump a pile of time and money into a hole in the water. Do a more thorough evaluation of what you have before spending anything.

Cheap outboards are not the answer either.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Switch from I/O to Outboard??

I agree. I/O to outboard is now a two level problem - 1.) fix big hole in back of boat & re-design for outboard mounting (strength, style & location) 2.) find outboard that'll push the boat & not keep me in the garage forever for under $800. I think in the end, it's going to wind up more costly than fixing, or just buying something else.

I'd evaluate your engine first. If you can get that going, start watching Craigslist (and be willing to drive a little) and eBay for replacement drives to see what the budget would need to be. Sometimes you can find what you need fairly inexpensively.

 

[F_R]

Re: Switch from I/O to Outboard??

On the other hand, why are we assuming something is wrong with the drive?? Is there something we haven't been told?

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Switch from I/O to Outboard??

When you say "fix the transom", realize that implies a lot of things. You have a big hole to fix. Do you want to do fiberglass work? You will need a suitable outboard bracket. Not cheap ($1000 or more). Also, many transoms need to be made stronger because the forces placed on them by outboards brackets are different than stern drives. More fiberglass work.

Unless you want a big project to work on, or unless you are trying to build a boat that you can't find elsewhere, I would stick to getting the engine and stern drive running. You say you are mechanically inclined, so its doable. Just have fun doing it. Lots of help here on iboats.

 

[Jdip83]

Thanks everyone

I am just hesitant about the outdrive, lack of knowledge is my really problem so the only way know is to do it.

I don't think anything is going to be wrong with the drive just plan for the worset and hope for the best.
But I'm going into the project thinking that it's going to be junk I'll have to wait and see.
I will be updating today once I disconnect the steering cable so I can at least move the drive side to side cause as of right now I can't
Plus it won't go into reverse (the carb is off the motor)

Thank you guys for talking me out of switching
Didn't think it would be that difficult

Any ideas why the unit won't go into reverse?
Other than it needs some Lube and TLC


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=38.244225,-122.409441

 

[zopperman]

Re: Switch from I/O to Outboard??

Well, I agree with what everyone has said.. there are SIGNIFICANT risks... most epople aren't happy with the way it goes... Check out weldzilla's thread... his is a successful conversion. You have to consider.. the boat was built for an I/O and will thus handle differently if you slap an OB on it... That being said, I'm not here to tell you what to do, just to help when I can...

Yes, it's a lot of glass work... You can do a bracket, or modify the existing transom. PICS WOULD HELP.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Cali_fisher]

Re: Switch from I/O to Outboard??

These guys on iBoats are amazing about helping you out. If you run into something you need help with just be sure to ask before you jump in to it. You have all the expert help you need. I just started using iBoats and these guys are very helpfull.

Make sure you go through current drive/motor 100% first before you spend any money or make any decisions about an outboard. You may be supprised and it's not as bad as you thought.

Best of luck, keep us posted