Converting my i/o boat into a Outboard with a bracket

[formulafisher]

How hard would this be? im wondering if i could save any weight ove a conventional i/o maybe this woudl make my boat faster. What would i need to do to mount the bracket?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Converting my i/o boat into a Outboard with a bracket

How hard is a relative thing - - -<br /><br />You have not given us sufficient information to give you much by way of feedback.<br /><br />I can tell you that you need to be carefull on the weight issue as many/most hulls are designed for a range of weights and location of the center of gravity. Deviate much from that and you will have problems. You also need to consider the design of the transom as the need for strengths differs between OB & I/O.<br /><br />There are posts on this site from guys who have done it and some worked well and some didn't.

 

[DJ]

Re: Converting my i/o boat into a Outboard with a bracket

formulafisher,<br /><br />Need more information. <br /><br />If you want to replace a MerCruiser unit. I would repower with the fine offerings that MerCruiser offers for far less than the price of a similar HP outboard.<br /><br />If it's OMC or Volvo that's a new question.<br /><br />Anyway, boat builders typically designed their boats with either outboard or I/O power in mind. The materials they used and where they placed them depended upon factory installed power. It is more than likely that your I/O built boat will need extensive modifications to the transom to accept reasonable outboard power. Can it be done? Sure! How deep do, you want to go?

 

[formulafisher]

Re: Converting my i/o boat into a Outboard with a bracket

the boat is a 23ft forumla center console. I have seen 3 boats where this modification has taken place. the boat weights about 46-4800lbs.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Converting my i/o boat into a Outboard with a bracket

Whole bunch of work... Big can of worms...<br /><br />Start by choosing a bracket and contacting the manufacturer for info on transom structural requirements.. I'm sure different companies have different requirements... <br /><br />More than likely you'll have to glass in a full transom that's at least 2 inches thick, and of course you'll have to fill in the holes for the old outdrive..<br /><br />As for a weight savings and speed, I dunno... Are we replacing a single stern drive with a single outboard? Twin outdrives with twin outboards? Single stern drive with twin outboards?