changing or adding an outboard to boat

[rooster4]

what is involved in changing an outboard or if a boat was bought w/o an outboard on it, installing one?

 

[jasper60103]

Re: changing or adding an outboard to boat

What kind of boat? What model outboard did you have in mind? A pic of the boat would be helpful.
The smaller outboards usually can be bolted on or clamped on. Larger outboards (40hp or greater) are bolted to the transom, but then there's options like tilt & trim, remote steering, etc. The amount of work depends on what you want. What did you have in mind? I'm sure someone here can help.

 

[rooster4]

Re: changing or adding an outboard to boat

i don't have anything in particular in mind. i just see some boats either with blown motors or w/o an outboard that seem to be worth the money. not sure what the pitfalls of having someone add, or adding the outboard myself. hypothetical, 18-20ft, 120-150hp, pt&t, cable or hydraulic steering. how would one know what they needed? or is it too much trouble,and would better off buying something already going?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: changing or adding an outboard to boat

It's not a huge deal to change out outboards. I've had mine off my boat twice. The easiest swap out would be with one of the same brand. That way all the controls would be the same. When buying a used motor, if the controls don't match what's in the boat make sure you get the controls with it because they can be expensive to replace.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: changing or adding an outboard to boat

Issues:
1) Is the old motor and new motor of the roughly the same vintage? Controls, cables, and harness from control box to engine may not be present in the boat or if it is it may not be compatible.
2) If the new engine has power tilt & trim, is the harness in the boat or does it come with the engine. Does the control box have the switch.
3) Hydraulic steering? Is the proper helm in the boat. Does the engine have the cylinder and proper link.
4) Depending on age, the old and new mounting holes may not be the same.
5) Capacity. Is the boat capable of handling the power you want to add.
6) Instrumentation. Are the boat gauges analog or digital. If digital, they generally must be compatible with the engine.
7) Fuel system. Are the fuel line sizes compatible between the old and new engines. Normally a problem only if going to a larger engine.

Most of these issues are annoyances and there is an abundance of used parts available to make the switch. If you are not a good "scavanger" or very mechanically inclined, you had best get yourself informed or have another person help you BEFORE you buy something.

 

[rooster4]

Re: changing or adding an outboard to boat

thanks silvertip. those are the questions/answers i didn't know. i can most likely handle the mechanical part of it, i am just new to boating and BEFORE i bought something, i wanted to get some feedback.