Here is an update of the thought process so far, in terms of planning out a conversion to twin outboards. . .
My plan is to have the outboard engines beyond the existing swim deck to the point of allowing full-tilt of the outboards and not having to change the swim deck area.
Pictorial rendering . . .
BEFORE:
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AFTER
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Given that the removal of the I/O engines and outdrives and installation of a bracket and outboards would change the weight distribution of the boat, I did some calculations to approximate the change of the CoG (balance point) of the boat.
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It looks like the balance point of the boat will be about 9" to aft of its existing point. So, not a huge change. Overall the boat will be about 300-400 lbs. lighter, given that the I/O power packages are quite heavy (1,100 lbs each).
I've also done some rough design on what the bracket will look like, considering the funky transom design the boat has and the fact that I will be extending the outboard engines beyond the existing LOA.
The bracket will provide about 3.5 feet of additional planing surface (with a 2" step up from the existing transom), then be notched for the remaining 18-20" to the (new) transom.
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One thing different about this conversion and the bracket is that it can be fastened to both the original transom AND the underside of the swim deck. I think that will be helpful in distributing weight/load/forces vs. the more typical transom only mounting that has been done with traditional transoms.
I've done some looking into the engines . . . It is going to be twin outboards in the 300-350 HP range. One thing of consideration is the DTS (Digital controls) and the Joystick. (I love the joystick docking feature that I currently have).
Some of the information that I have encountered indicated that Mercury JPO (joystick) is only available at an OEM level. Not sure if that has changed lately (?)
Another option would be Yamaha or Suzuki engines with the Optimus controls. Either way, it adds about $15K of cost. (saving my weekly allowance
)
Also, I noticed that Suzuki now has dual prop lower units available on both the 350 and 300 HP versions. Just wondering about that vs. the single prop that the Merc and Yammy would have. It seems like Suzuki is making a strong play in the re-power market.
I won't be starting the actual conversion until around September 2025 (a year-ish away), so plenty of time to gather more information and finalize the design.
