I/O to outboard conversion

[powderhombre]

I'm new to boating and therefor have questions that might appear strange, but here goes... I bought an 82, 18foot Beachcraft bowrider. the boat is in near new condition. previous owner did'nt use it much,but stored it well. It has the dreaded OMC 3.8 liter and I guess the near as I can tell the 800 stringer outdrive. I was looking at new boats at Bass Pro shop and was looking at the big outboard motors and how they mounted to the transoms. it would appear that if I had to spend a few thousand to fix the Stringer someday, why not just pull everything, and plug the outdrive hole, admittedly a lot of work rebuilding the transom, but could not an outboard be mounted to the boat and hooked up to the cables to operate? just a wondering question...thanks.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: I/O to outboard conversion

Many people have tried and I have yet to hear of anyone who has been happy converting.

There are balance issues, bracket issues...... many problems.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I/O to outboard conversion

Ayuh,... I've seen a 1/2 dozen Attemps at repowering a hull that way,...
5 were Junked before the end of the 1st season.+ the other 1 was refitted back to an I/O....