- Joined
- Jul 18, 2011
- Messages
- 18,000
Greetings . . .
I have been considering transitioning from having twin Sterndrives (I/O) engines and go to twin outboards.
I could do this in one of 2 ways . . .
1) Sell my sterndrive boat (Cruisers Yacht 338 mid-cabin bowrider) and buy a same/similar boat that has twin outboards.
2) Convert my existing boat (above) from I/O to outboards.
The cost to do the 'Sell & Buy approach' would probably be about 6 figures, given that the outboard versions of my boat are newer and more expensive in general. Similar boats to mine with OB's would be about the same uplift in $. Generally I like my boat's design and layout, as it is better than similar boats. The only negative aspect is the I/O's in salt water.
I believe I could do the 'conversion approach' for about 1/2 the cost of the 'sell/buy approach', but wanted to toss it out here for comment, insanity check , etc.
As for the outboard conversion approach . . . conceptually I'd:
As for the sell/buy approach . . . I'd probably have to:
I have been considering transitioning from having twin Sterndrives (I/O) engines and go to twin outboards.
I could do this in one of 2 ways . . .
1) Sell my sterndrive boat (Cruisers Yacht 338 mid-cabin bowrider) and buy a same/similar boat that has twin outboards.
2) Convert my existing boat (above) from I/O to outboards.
The cost to do the 'Sell & Buy approach' would probably be about 6 figures, given that the outboard versions of my boat are newer and more expensive in general. Similar boats to mine with OB's would be about the same uplift in $. Generally I like my boat's design and layout, as it is better than similar boats. The only negative aspect is the I/O's in salt water.
I believe I could do the 'conversion approach' for about 1/2 the cost of the 'sell/buy approach', but wanted to toss it out here for comment, insanity check , etc.
As for the outboard conversion approach . . . conceptually I'd:
- Sell or trade-in my 2 Mercruiser 6.2L EC DTS engines (350 hours) and B3 outdrives, and buy 2 Mercury Verado 350 HP outboards (either lightly used or new)
- Have a twin engine engine bracket (flotation style) custom made to fit my boat.
- I figure that I can do the transom/stringer/structural mods and install the bracket myself.
- I'd have an engine re-power shop do the fitting of the engines and controls.
- Would my current Mercruiser DTS, VesselView, and Axius systems be compatible with the Mercury outboards? (If I had to buy new, it would make the conversion a bit more pricey)
As for the sell/buy approach . . . I'd probably have to:
- Sell my boat in a lakes region (maybe Winnipesaukee NH ?), since selling I/O boats on coastal waters is becoming nearly impossible.
- Find the same boat in an outboard configuration, due the purchasing diligence, pay the sales tax, etc.
- Make the boat my own with various modifications, fixes and upgrades that I have done to my existing boat.