convert from I/O to outboard

[gulfhunter1967]

I currently have a 1982 Mercruiser 260 I/O in my 22 SeaRay, Would like to convert to outboard/s, I will reinforce the transom and install a bracket, but still unsertain on how much horse power is a good push for this boat, it weights 3800 lbs dry.
Any advises are appreciated.
thanks
Nelson

 

[mthieme]

Re: convert from I/O to outboard

That's a heavy boat and 260hp was very common in those on up to the 24' SRV.
Personally, I think you're better off the I/O setup...why the change?
If funding where not an object, an Etec or Yammy 300 would be tempting. At least an Etec 250HO.

 

[gulfhunter1967]

Re: convert from I/O to outboard

Thanks,
I figured that the horse power would have to be close to it or a little higher
than current engine, like you said a Yamaha 300HP would be tempting.
I used to work for Bertram Yachts years ego, my specialty was fiberglass construction/building and finish, closing the outdrive hole and reinsforcing the transom would not be aproblem for me to do, actualy would look like it was never there, my biggest concern is riging the outboard and the balance of the vessel once everything is installed, I've heard that some boats in this convertion tend to tilt forward and have more problems to plane than before. I also heard there are companies that build the outboard brackets and they have special formulas to make the brakets extended enough so that it balances once the engine mounts on it. Have you heard of anyone that have ever done this before?
Thanks
Nelson

 

[mthieme]

Re: convert from I/O to outboard

I have noticed larger boats with outboards that have them mounted a couple/few feet back...at the end of the swim platform. I always wondered about this since it looks funny, but the weight issue would explain this.

One of my neighbors has a 21' Mako. When he had a 150 Merc on the back, the bow was lower that the stern idling. This was a bonus as the bow you run aground before the motor as we frequented shallow waters. He keeps it on a lift, so there were no other issues. He's repowered with a heavier 4 stroke Yammy and this feature disappeared.