24' SeaRay Weekender outboard conversion ?

[Valv]

Hi, I just purchased a 1975 SeaRay 24' weekender, hull only, with the idea of restoring it. Boat originally had a 260 Mercruiser. I was debating if trying to find same motor/outdrive, bigger motor/outdrive or convert it to outboard using one of these transom brackets. Any suggestions or hints regarding this idea ? Bad experience or not ?<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />Val

 

[kev_79]

Re: 24' SeaRay Weekender outboard conversion ?

I would look to put another, maybe bigger inboard on it. Outboard would probably work, provided you had a sturdy transom to attach to. Putting a lighter outboard may make it act different in water than it was meant to, but I am not sure. Inboards seem to be more reliable, and a bit cheaper to work on when something goes wrong, they just provide less space int the boat. good luck, and let us know what you decide.

 

[JB]

Re: 24' SeaRay Weekender outboard conversion ?

Ahoy, valv. You will nearly double your cockpit/storage space by going to outboard power. You will also gain maneuverability.<br /><br />If you choose to go with 4 stroke(s) you will lose nothing in reliability or economy of operation, though you wont be able to service it with GM or FOMOCO parts.<br /><br />The conventional conversion for boats in your size range puts a pair of 2 strokes in the 100-150 range on a custom bracket, but I would look at a pair of Yamaha 115 EFI 4 strokes or wait to see what the new Yamaha or Honda 225 EFI 4 stroke V6 goes for and put one of them on her.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB