I/O vs. OB transom width?

[mellowyellow]

winter is here early and all I have to do is dream<br />about boating for awhile... think I'll window shop<br />for a little cuddy.<br />I have a '70 merc 1150 that is cherry, and was<br />thinking about converting an I/O transom to mount<br />this OB.... there's lot's of blown I/O's cheap.<br />2 questions:<br />are I/O transoms the same width as OB's?<br />how big of a cuddy could this motor push and still<br />be respectable? (15-20 knotts?)<br />california dreaming...on such a winters day.

 

[DJ]

Re: I/O vs. OB transom width?

Mellowyellow,<br /><br />That is a nice engine. Remember, it's actually about 100 to 105 hp. at the prop.<br /><br />Those engines pused ALOT of aluminum cuddies, up to 21', and still do.<br /><br />In fiberglass, I think I would limit myself to about 18-19' tops.<br /><br />I/O transom and outboard transoms may be the same, it depends on the manufacturer. Converting an I/O to an outboard is certainly doable. It would be relatively easy to strenghten the transom for outboard use.

 

[Solittle]

Re: I/O vs. OB transom width?

Many manufacturers design their boats for both. For example I have a 1988 23' Wellcraft CC that has a full transom. Mine has 2 OMC Sea Drives bolted to the back of the transom. Using the same mold and transom they could do a cut-out and drop in an I/O. They could also cut the top of the transom down for "normal" outboards where the motor bracket goes over the top of the transom. Soooo for them, three ways to power the same hull and basically the same transom. Cuts down on their costs big time and gives us boaters more options.