I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,530
I can just imagine the conversations of people putting these together in Fond-Du-Lac, laughing to themselves at the poor guys who actually have to work on them....
The only I/O boat I'll ever have are the older, simpler kind, with wide open engine compartments, carb fuel systems, etc. I look at that and as nice as they work (when new) it makes my brain hurt lol. Changing a starter? A steering actuator? The engines are getting pulled then. In fact I convinced my brother to trade his 2020 Chapparal with the Merc 4.5 for a brand new Chap with a Yamaha 4 stroke outboard...before the headaches started. One bout of mild overheating due to marine growth in the water intakes (that I told him would happen unless they are rodded out) was enough for him.
You're on the right track Ted and you'll wind up with a unique boat, probably the ultimate for your boating area....as for me being the skinflint that I am, and admirer of simplicity, I'll stick with this.....
Old school tune up.jpg
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,586
It took a while, but I got the lower bolt for the steering actuator loosened. Then I could remove the water intake hose and expose the rear mounting bolts.
IMG_8673 2.JPG
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They came out fairly easily . . .
IMG_8675 2.JPG
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I believe these are stainless bolts . . .
IMG_8674 2.JPG
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So, I just need to disconnect the fuel line and the starboard engine should be ready to lift.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,586
Hi @Lou C - Yes, it has been you and I against the salt water Gods, so it seems. I will say that there is a lot of engineering that goes into these I/O (sterndrive) systems. Amazing that it has worked for so many years.

I'll be happy to send these engines to someone needing a twin engine re-power.
 
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