I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

[Electric Steering preference . . . .] Why

Because, that's why

It eliminates the hydraulic system for steering . . . I'm sure there are "pros & cons"

 

[tpenfield]

Next steps will be . . .

• continue pulling the engine control wiring
• remove remaining items from transom
• paint remover on transom
• order material for building the extension pod (Coosa, VE resin, 1708, CSM, etc.)

The admiral will be clearing out space in the garage to stage/store the engines out of the weather.

Putting my 'Project Management' hat on . . . I'm trying to keep track of things and stay on target for next season with a project plan . . .
.

.
Certain things are taking longer than I anticipated, hopefully I can stay on track. (Else I'll be launching the Whaler 13 as my primary vessel come June '26 )

 

[Pmt133]

Just don't over order csm like I did and have 30 yards of it left over and not know what to do with it.

I've just been giving it away to people who need it for projects at this point. Goes slow.

 

[alldodge]

Because, that's why

It eliminates the hydraulic system for steering . . . I'm sure there are "pros & cons"

Sort of, but all good

Mine has 4 hydraulic lines at helm going back to electric hydraulic pump that is mounted between the motors.

The steer by wire uses a similar hydraulic pump but also has a controller which controls pump

 

[tpenfield]

Sort of, but all good

Mine has 4 hydraulic lines at helm going back to electric hydraulic pump that is mounted between the motors.

The steer by wire uses a similar hydraulic pump but also has a controller which controls pump

Yes, this sounds like what I have on the Mercruisers. The electronics tell the hydraulics what to do. I saw some product information on Optimus 360 (3rd party joystick solution) that they now have an electric steering actuator, which replaces the hydraulic.

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/lp/marinelp-optimus-steering-system

 

[tpenfield]

Now that 2,250 lbs of engines, outdrives, and related stuff has come out of the boat, the tongue weight is insanely heavy. Too much for the standard jack to support. I will probably move the boat back a bit on the trailer for transport.

 

[tpenfield]

Busted the trailer jack . . . I think a gear tooth broke off from the load. The jack was rated at 2,500 lbs, and by my calculations without the engines counter-balancing the stern it was right on there, maybe a tad over.

Probably going to see if I can get something 3,500 lbs ish.

 

[Scott Danforth]

When you add the pod and new engines you will be back to counterlevered

 

[alldodge]

The jack can handle more load if it's welded on and not bolted

 

[tpenfield]

When you add the pod and new engines you will be back to counter-levered

Yes, but currently the tongue weight is more than my truck can handle. Basically the trailer is not towable in its current state of balance.

My thinking is to find a happy medium of weight balance that can let me tow locally to the re-power shop and then tow back home after the OB's are installed.

 

[alldodge]

Get a couple big totes, barrels or other containers, put them in the bilge and fill with water

 

[redneck joe]

Get a couple big totes, barrels or other containers, put them in the bilge and fill with water

55 gallon drums all over fb marketplace

 

[Scott Danforth]

Get a wake boat bladder .... Fill with 200 gallons of water.

Or on the cheap, get a water bed bladder

 

[Pmt133]

I have used 50lb bags of sand from the shop. Back on the shelf when done. Obviously you'll need more than I did and that would suck to do manually.

 

[redneck joe]

Water is easier to move so it get my vote.

 

[tpenfield]

Thanks guys . . . I did not think about using water to counter balance.

Of course 2,200 lbs of water is 35 cubic feet or 4' x 4' x 2' . . . I might be able to figure something out . . .

 

[tpenfield]

In the meantime I am getting the Mercruisers all situated. The Admiral and I got a garage bay cleared out so the engines (on pallets) can to there for safe keeping.

Probably going to order my Coosa board and fiberglassing supplies on Monday. Later in the week it is off to CT to visit 'the kids'
and spend some quality time with the newest grandchild. Over the weekend, we are heading to Gillette Stadium to see Mike Vrabel and the Patriots play. Got a new shirt for the occasion.
.

 

[Pmt133]

Could always sink the boat on land.

Kidding aside, something like a cover pillow for an aboveground pool would probably work. They're cheap and when you're done you don't feel bad about wasting them.

 

[flashback]

Water gets my vote IF you can keep it in the stern!

 

[redneck joe]

Thanks guys . . . I did not think about using water to counter balance.

Of course 2,200 lbs of water is 35 cubic feet or 4' x 4' x 2' . . . I might be able to figure something out . . .

Ibc totes all over marketplace around here

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