Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

[rybob1]

I apologize in advance if this isn't the correct forum, however it was the best one I could think of to post this in, as this isn't really specific to the engine, but the attaching it to to the boat.

I have a 84 Bayliner Capri with a rotting floor and transom. Volvo Penta 270 engine and outdrive. I'm thinking of trying to find a hull in reasonable shape but with a bad engine and attempting to do a swap. My question, do I have to stick with another Bayliner Capri with the Volvo Penta setup, or can I relatively easily swap it into one built for OMC or another engine/out drive combination? Keep in mind, I would take both the engine and outdrive in the swap, so this seems like it would only be an issue of can the Volvo attach correctly in the boat. I'm eyeing an 1990 with an OMC that I may consider.

Thanks.

 

[jb93]

Re: Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

Well...you have to pull the motor out of the Bayliner anyway. Unless you don't like the Bayliner, have you considered rebuilding it and being back on the water next summer? While you are into it, for around $2000 you can replace stringers, transom and floor and know that your Bayliner is sea worthy. Can you find a reasonable hull with bad engine for $2000 or less that you know for sure is dry and has no rot...maybe...but the chances of a 20+ year old donor boat having some structural issues is probably worse than 50-50 odds. For example, the boat you are looking at is 23 years old. What happens if you are right back where you are now in 2-3 years? Alternatively, you could sell the Bayliner complete and add some cash to it and go find a good boat and engine combo. Offseason is about to start and you can probably find some deals in the next few months.

If you go for the donor boat, make sure you can get a good look at the stringers and check the transom. Maybe worth having a marine surveyor check it out with a moisture meter if you want that peace of mind?

I chose to rebuild a $200 beater to know what I have when I am done. I estimate it will cost me $2500 to rebuild and $3000 to repower, but I will have a good as new (structurally speaking) boat for $6K. It is certainly the long way around though, as there is no instant gratification in my deal. One upside though is that I don't have to cough up $6K in one shot...just smaller amounts over the next 8-9 months...hopefully ready to splash next May. It is a big decision either way. Best of luck.

 

[rybob1]

Re: Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

Well...you have to pull the motor out of the Bayliner anyway. Unless you don't like the Bayliner, have you considered rebuilding it and being back on the water next summer? While you are into it, for around $2000 you can replace stringers, transom and floor and know that your Bayliner is sea worthy. Can you find a reasonable hull with bad engine for $2000 or less that you know for sure is dry and has no rot...maybe...but the chances of a 20+ year old donor boat having some structural issues is probably worse than 50-50 odds. For example, the boat you are looking at is 23 years old. What happens if you are right back where you are now in 2-3 years? Alternatively, you could sell the Bayliner complete and add some cash to it and go find a good boat and engine combo. Offseason is about to start and you can probably find some deals in the next few months.

If you go for the donor boat, make sure you can get a good look at the stringers and check the transom. Maybe worth having a marine surveyor check it out with a moisture meter if you want that peace of mind?

I chose to rebuild a $200 beater to know what I have when I am done. I estimate it will cost me $2500 to rebuild and $3000 to repower, but I will have a good as new (structurally speaking) boat for $6K. It is certainly the long way around though, as there is no instant gratification in my deal. One upside though is that I don't have to cough up $6K in one shot...just smaller amounts over the next 8-9 months...hopefully ready to splash next May. It is a big decision either way. Best of luck.

You make some very compelling points, things I have thought about briefly, however what has prompted me to look at a newer hull and doing the swap is my lack of craftsmanship. I feel comfortable enough swapping engines, however the idea of stripping my boat down to next to nothing and rebuilding is what scares me .

 

[Bondo]

Re: Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

You make some very compelling points, things I have thought about briefly, however what has prompted me to look at a newer hull and doing the swap is my lack of craftsmanship. I feel comfortable enough swapping engines, however the idea of stripping my boat down to next to nothing and rebuilding is what scares me .

Ayuh,.... In That case,.... You need another hull, that ain't rotten, that had/ has a 270 Volvo drive in it....

Sell what you've got, 'n move on.... the ole 270 ain't really a Keeper...

 

[jb93]

Re: Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

You make some very compelling points, things I have thought about briefly, however what has prompted me to look at a newer hull and doing the swap is my lack of craftsmanship. I feel comfortable enough swapping engines, however the idea of stripping my boat down to next to nothing and rebuilding is what scares me .

I understand RYBOB. I guess I am just brave about it since I am starting with basically a $200 shell and trailer. If it does not go as well as planned, I haven't really spoiled anything. Good luck getting back on the water soon.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

Unless the new hull had the exact engine drive combination of your old boat it is a big job.

 

[rybob1]

Re: Swapping Hulls built for two motors/outdrives

Unless the new hull had the exact engine drive combination of your old boat it is a big job.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I've just about convinced myself to restore my existing one instead. I really like the idea of rebuilding, and then knowing exactly what I have, rather than hoping I have something that will last. I'm still trying to think things through completely, but I'm leaning towards starting very soon, with the goal of being back on the water next spring.

There is just an incredible amount of information in this forum section, in fact, I found I have the same boat as NickyPoo, and he has done an incredible job of documenting his progress, which is exactly the same as I will likely do.