Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

[handirifle]

Given the trend towards restricting lakes to 4 stroke only, and since new motors cost more then I have in boat, motor and trailer combined, I got a crazy idea, for if and when the local lakes become restricted.

Is it possible to remove the power head (old 6hp Johnson) and adapt a similar sized air cooled vertical shaft motor?

I know every once in a while a used 4 stroke comes up, but even when they do, the seller wants an arm and a leg, I don't blame them but it's a lot of money on a fixed income.

Is this idea insane, or is it doable, maybe?

 

[wifisher]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

How many lakes are restricted to four stroke only? I have never seen any around here, but I am a long way from CA.

There are outboards made out of vertical shaft briggs motors, so it can be done. I don't know about adapting the motor to an existing LU though. I'm sure it could be done, but the gearing would probably need to be changed, and with the mounting brackets etc. It might be a big job.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Given the trend towards restricting lakes to 4 stroke only, and since new motors cost more then I have in boat, motor and trailer combined, I got a crazy idea, for if and when the local lakes become restricted.

Is it possible to remove the power head (old 6hp Johnson) and adapt a similar sized air cooled vertical shaft motor?

I know every once in a while a used 4 stroke comes up, but even when they do, the seller wants an arm and a leg, I don't blame them but it's a lot of money on a fixed income.

Is this idea insane, or is it doable, maybe?

Anythings possible with lots of time and money. You would need to find a way to securely fasten the new engine to the remains of the original outboard, along with a way to adapt the crank shaft to the drive shaft for the lower unit. It would probably require the services of a willing machine shop, which would be costly. If looks matter to you, this would probably look pretty ugly. Using a single cylinder air cooled engine, it would no doubt vibrate excessively, and be fairly loud.

Briggs and Stratton has more or less beat you to the punch BTW; http://www.marine-outboards.com/Briggs_Stratton_Outboards/Briggs_Stratton_5HP_Outboard.htm

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Given what the above poster just said, it would be easier to look into a motor on that link and truthfully, it doesn't really look that ugly You might be able to find a pre-owned one on ebay for a reasonable cost too.

 

[handirifle]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

There are not, as yet, a LOT of lakes here going that route (pristine lakes like Arrowhead and a few others have already banned them), but the granola heads out here sure seem to get their way, and I have no doubt it's a matter of time. Not to start a huge debate, but even as a kid growing up in Ohio, I can remember being a little unimpressed with the oil slicks around outboards when I went fishing.

Having said all that, thanks for the replies, they are about par for what I was expecting, but maybe a little nicer .

Yea it would look kinda ugly, and with the exhaust above water it would be louder as well. I really had wondered about the mounting, but I figured if the old motor blew, what the heck, I could pull it apart and see how it wen t together. Worst case scenario, I learn something. .

If it were going to get into a lot of cash, the whole idea would be scrapped, literally. I had seen the "swamp" motors before, when I lived in South Carolina and new the air cooled motors had a marine history of sorts. Heck, I remember a guy, in Ohio, that used a 6 cyl car engine, mounted on a small truck frame, with two manual transmissions mounted in series, for a tractor. So, like said, ANYTHING can be done.

Now that B&S outboard it right in the price range I'd want. Might be a little small though.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

It's already been done, B&S did it, as long as you can bolt up the shaft into the crank using some sort of adapter totally.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Like I said, prices can be better if shopped right.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-hp...1519QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear#sf

 

[handirifle]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Yea and every now and then a regular 4 stroke comes at a fairly decent price, but still out of my reach. After having the 6hp, I do think I'd like to move up to a 10 for this boat, but the 6 is more than adequate, for sure.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Why reinvent the wheel? Get a brand new set of oars. Zero pollution, maybe a little low on power depending on how much spinach the user consumes.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Why reinvent the wheel? Get a brand new set of oars. Zero pollution, maybe a little low on power depending on how much spinach the user consumes.

this one got me laughin pretty f*****g hard now

 

[Cofe]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Why go four stroke when you can go with original horse power? Here is the plan........

 

[levi_tsk]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

hells yeah!! and you can keep a spare pony on the back if one of them breaks down or you need a little extra oomph

 

[handirifle]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Probably a lot of torque in that 2hp boat but would be a tight fit in my 12 footer. For now i will wait and see how long this old motor holds up. Was just wonderin if anyone else had a crazy idea like that. Looks like B&S did already. Its a bit updated over the std motor but whatever it takes.

 

[dew2]

Re: Dumb question (OK be nice, it's just a thought)

Probably a lot of torque in that 2hp boat but would be a tight fit in my 12 footer. For now i will wait and see how long this old motor holds up. Was just wonderin if anyone else had a crazy idea like that. Looks like B&S did already. Its a bit updated over the std motor but whatever it takes.

A thought is keep a eye on the high boat owner states Mn,Wisc.,Mich. I am in Mn and see decent 4 stroke prices not often but they are there.Dont know what shipping would be but its a idea.Ebay is always high on working motors.That 5HP Briggs shown above wouldnt go for 200 here used.lowHP and off brand OB.Try Craigs list in those states also there I get fantastic deals on OBs