I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

flashback · Monday at 2:59 PM

It does. Put some bottom paint on the pod tho..! LOL

tpenfield · Tuesday at 10:20 AM

flashback said:
It does. Put some bottom paint on the pod tho..! LOL

Here we go . . .
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Jmunk · Tuesday at 10:55 AM

This has been a tremendous amount of work, atleast your nearing the end. Any plans for your new found storage area where the previous engine resided?

Once it planes off for the first time it will all be worth it.

flashback · Tuesday at 11:28 AM

Might have to change the boats name to Big Foot.

tphoyt · Tuesday at 11:29 AM

The bottom paint really tied it all together nicely. It looks even more sweet now.

Scott Danforth · Tuesday at 1:54 PM

Jmunk said:
Any plans for your new found storage area where the previous engine resided?

pretty sure its going to be beer storage

tpenfield · Tuesday at 3:21 PM

Here is what I am thinking for the 'new' storage area. PVC boards covering most of it, but leaving open space for the bilge pump and other utility items.
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Scott Danforth · Tuesday at 4:21 PM

PVC will deform under the weight of the beer

tpenfield · Tuesday at 4:37 PM

Scott Danforth said:
PVC will deform under the weight of the beer

Understood . . . that is why the additional stringer was added on each side of the engine bay, to better support the

load.

Scott Danforth · Tuesday at 5:36 PM

Maybe get the fiberglass grating used as shelves

Lou C · Tuesday at 9:34 PM

I’d use thicker PVC for a double or triple IPA! Plus add hold downs, you don’t want you beer sliding around down there!

Pmt133 · 2026-05-13T05:48:21-0600

I could fit a kegerator there.

tpenfield · 2026-05-13T07:51:40-0600

We usually keep the beer highly accessible, so what is likely to go in the new storage space is the 'stuff' we don't use much. I've seen some OB conversions where large plastic storage bins are used to compartmentalize the space. My plan would be to see what works and what doesn't before putting too much effort into arranging the space.

I asked the 'AI' app to route the main bilge pump hose according to my plans for it. I made the stringers and the support braces with openings specifically to allow hose & wire routing as shown in the picture.

I have a secondary pump that will go in the extension bracket. The main pump is float switch activated, the secondary pump is helm switch activated.
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Lou C · 2026-05-13T07:56:21-0600

The best beer story:
About 20 years ago I was at the Pocono 500 with my son, close friend and friends from work. Typical NASCAR day, few groups on the verge of a fist fight, but mostly calm. About midway a lady near us stands up and exclaims:
Oh My GOD, We've Run out of BEER!
we all laughed, she laughed, and got more beer!

tpenfield · 2026-05-14T06:50:58-0600

Quick Update . . .

The Admiral and I have been on the west coast for the past week+. We are headed home today, so I'll be back at the grind on Friday.

In other news. . . .

I thought to try to sell the Mercruisers (once again) given that boating season in the Northeast is upon us. After only a couple of days, the clown show resumes

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Scott06 · 2026-05-14T09:51:10-0600

tpenfield said:
I thought to try to sell the Mercruisers (once again) given that boating season in the Northeast is upon us. After only a couple of days, the clown show resumes .

A lot of tire kickers?

I just went through selling on of our cars on marketplace, older vehicle for not much money, go so sick of it I gave it to a friends son who just totaled his car on a deer.

tpenfield · 2026-05-14T10:38:35-0600

Well, I have some prospective buyers, but until they show up with cash in hand, it will still be a clown show.

Since I'll have time today while doing the airport thing, I am working on the instrument panel design. I think I have a decent layout, depending on how much space the 'Honda' stuff needs.

Old (Mercruiser)
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Planned (Honda)
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The space on the instrument panel is really broken up vs. a lot of other boats, so it has been a challenge to find where things can fit.

Scott Danforth · 2026-05-14T11:12:49-0600

I would also do one key switch, 2 sustained push button switches (ignition) and two momentary switches (start). I always hated multiple key switches for multiple engines. I would put the key and buttons where your current two key switches are so the fob isnt hanging near the other switches (or move it to the cabin area) like many boats with glass cockpits are doing.

maybe turn the section in the upper left as a stowage compartment for your phone and wallet. put a cell phone charge pad in there. Move the radio up one panel from where its at as that gauge probably is going away too (because the fact it wont match will drive you bonkers)

you should up-date to the carbon fiber steering wheel from Schmitt as you have some corrosion on the hub on yours (or beer foam stains)

flashback · 2026-05-14T12:46:11-0600

Ooh, sweet wheel that thing is gorgeous. Like the spinner.

I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

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