Hull modification

[Bubbasboat]

Could this hull be modified to handle an outboard?

It's never had any motor or out drive installed. In fact it has no interior yet.

 

[GT1000000]

Anything is possible, but it would take a ton of work and then the hull design may or may not be compatible to having an out board hung out back...
Why wouldn't you want to install an I/O...? More space inside? Too expensive and you already have an outboard?
Another question, if I may...when you say it doesn't have an interior...are you talking about just the seating and such...or it has no structure...?
The reason I ask is if it has structure, and the hull has been sitting under the elements for an extended period of time, you may be looking at a lot more than just a conversion...
BTW, that is a very cool looking hull design...
What year/make is it?

 

[Bubbasboat]

Yes, I do already have an outboard, but might consider I/O if outboard is not practical.

I am waiting for current owner to reply with actual interior condition ( it's storage history) and what is installed. No seats, windshield, helm, etc. I would guess it has a deck, I am posting another photo, not sure it really helps much but it's all I currently have.

Lawrence 18' is all I am currently told

 

[MikDee]

It would be a travesty to convert that boat to an outboard!

 

[glenn property of pam]

if the transom is solid all the way across and doesn't have the cut out for a I/O then I guess you could make a bracket like a jack plate to clear the rear of the boat. It would take a lot of measuring as the outboard would need somewhere to tilt while still being long enough to reach the water. Just guessing at the measurement im not sure even a 25" leg would work with out cutting the hull.

 

[64osby]

Maybe mount a CMC unit?

 

[GA_Boater]

Looking at the stern pic, I think it does have a cut out with a blanking plate over it. Not having an out drive or motor installed doesn't meant it isn't set up for it. It would be a difficult IO to OB conversion unless a bracket is used. And a custom bracket at that. Mucho dinero!

 

[GT1000000]

On another note...
Keep in mind that most I/O set ups use a shortened width transom and do NOT have Knee Stringers attached to it...two things most outboard set ups require to help carry and transfer the forces of torque...An I/O uses the internal engine to help distribute those forces...

 

[Bubbasboat]

Looking at the stern pic, I think it does have a cut out with a blanking plate over it. Not having an out drive or motor installed doesn't meant it isn't set up for it. It would be a difficult IO to OB conversion unless a bracket is used. And a custom bracket at that. Mucho dinero!

When you refer to a bracket, are you referring to something like an Armstrong bracket?

If it is a blanking plate, that means the transom would need the cut out repaired?

On another note...
Keep in mind that most I/O set ups use a shortened width transom and do NOT have Knee Stringers attached to it...two things most outboard set ups require to help carry and transfer the forces of torque...An I/O uses the internal engine to help distribute those forces..

Would an Armstrong bracket resolve the structural issues, or would I still need to reinforce the transom?

 

[GA_Boater]

You can't buy a stock bracket. Look at the huge recess from side to side where the repaired cut out will be. Any add-on bracket still needs solid support inside. A bracket doesn't just hang on the stern. This boat isn't an OB conversion candidate even with major, expensive work and has very little chance of being successful. IMHO.

 

[Bubbasboat]

This boat isn't an OB conversion candidate even with major, expensive work and has very little chance of being successful. IMHO.

OK, I will take that as good advice and give up on the conversion idea.

If I decide to take on the project of completing this as an I/O, any suggestions on where to begin? Should I start with my motor and outdrive and build from there.

How do you choose an appropriate motor and outdrive for this hull? This is an 18' Lawrence

Or, should I start a new thread for this since I am no longer discussing a conversion, but rather, not sure what this would be, A build?

 

[GT1000000]

You can continue on with this thread if you desire...since you have already created an interest...
As for what size I/O...since the boat looks fairly new and unfinished...there should be a Coast Guard capacity plate somewhere inside, maybe near the helm, which should indicate max HP and max Capacity in weight...if not you can go to the Coast Guard website and find the formulas for calculating the HP...http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/pdf/downloads/SAFELOADING.pdf

 

[Bubbasboat]

Thank you for the information. I will do more research on the hull and capacities before I continue. Thanks again!

 

[Bubbasboat]

It would be a travesty to convert that boat to an outboard!

Update
The real travesty is that I was unable to get my hands on the hull and believe it to have been cut up and hauled to dump. :Cry::faint: