Project Idea Sounding Board

jklett

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2003
Messages
29
Hi, I bought a 17' vee hull runabout in late October of last year. I haven't done much except to clean out 14 years of debris and figure out what needs to be fixed. So far it's the standard stringers, floor, and transom, so I have a lot of options as to the layout and such. It currently is a closed bow I/O that is mechanically shot. I have the power taken care of with a 125hp Evinrude outboard(I did the USCG hp formula and this engine is within the limits). The next steps are to figure out the best way to mount the outboard(on the transom with a well, or on a bracket), and decide on the layout that would best suit my needs. So far, I think the bracket would be best(if I could figure out how to make one), but on the transom would be easier. As far as the layout, I am torn between a center console, or to raise the front deck and lower the floor underneath and make a little cuddy cabin. My intended use is primarily to fish inshore saltwater(bays and such), but I have a wife and 2 young kids that I would like to take out once in a while. I hope I explained this well enough, I will eventually get pictures to put up so you can see what I'm working with, but that may be a little while. Please let me know what you all think and if there are any suggestions. Thanks.
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

Boy oh boy, do I love center console conversions....<br /><br />If it were me, I would probably skip the bracket unless the bank account is tolerant. You can easily adapt the transom for an outboard, and build a splashwell if necessary. Since you have to tear out the old transom and install a new one, it is no big stretch. You just layer in a good solid 1.5 inches of ply. You can glass the outdrive hole by tapering the glass around the hole and layering in some heavy biaxial cloth with epoxy until even, sand, and paint (I make it sound easy, there is plenty of work to it). Glass in a splashwell, or skip it. A lot of center console boats with outboards don't bother with splashwells. You can build in the new floor and stringers to accomodate a floor that is higher than the waterline and install scuppers if you want. The beauty is once you have it down to the bare shell you can set it up any way you want. Click my link below to see my own cc conversion...Good luck, and post pics if you can...
 

jklett

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2003
Messages
29
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

Thanks for replying, I did see the thread for the transom bracket and figured that my best bet would be to just cut down the transom and add a splashwell. Does anyone know where I can get any ideas as to some dimensions for a splashwell? I was also thinking that the console should be sized to be comfortable for me to stand or sit to steer. I can mock one up from cardboard to get the size down. As far as steering goes, would I be able to fit a rack and pinion system in a console, or should I get a rotary? I am sorry for all the questions, but on the budget I have, I have to try and salvage as many of the ancillaries as possible.
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

I have a rack and pinion in mine, mainly because that was what was on the boat. It took some measuring and mocking up to get the console the way I wanted it and have that rack assembly work out right. I set mine up to be mainly comfortable while standing, but it is fine sitting as well. I also built my console 35 inches wide so two people can be protected by the console and windshield. You could go rotary for the steering and have more leeway in your positioning. The sky is the limit for the splashwell. My splashwell was huge so I cut it and rebuilt it. All you have to do is make sure the motor will clear when tilted, that steering and controls are not impeded, and that the splashwell will do its job of keeping following seas where it belongs. You'll also need to put a drain plug in, but that is not a big deal.
 

jklett

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2003
Messages
29
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

I just saw a thread in general outboard discussions about going outboard from inboard that added more confusion to my project. It was stated that the transoms of most inboard and I/O's are straight and that a bracket would have to make up the angle difference in order to achieve proper trim. My question now is how do I find out the angle of the transom, and what should it be in order to get the right angle of trim? I could redo the entire back end of this boat to get it right, but I'd rather not unless I absolutely have to. Just when you think you have it all figured out, here comes that &^#%%^@ monkey wrench again!!! :mad: I should have just built a boat from scratch, it would've been easier, but now I'm even more determined to either get this one fixed up and in the water or go crazy trying!
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

Just look at the transom. Is it angled inward from the top to the bottom at all? It doesn't have to be an exact degree, it just needs to be able to allow the motor to tuck in for trimming in. Most older I/O boats I have seen have a transom with enough inward tilt to do the job. It is true inboards with the prop under the boat that tends to have straight or otherwise shaped transom. Sure wish I could see the boat. If you had some pics you could email to me and I could put them up here for ya.
 

cjflanagan

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 1, 2003
Messages
168
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

JasonJ I have just spent the last half hour reading and enjoying every word and picture on your website. You are an animal! It makes me feel a little better to see that there are others out there obsessed with an old boat! Carry on!
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

Thanx Boiling Point. I just wanted a center console fishing rig, and center consoles are not a common sight here, especially used. I figured there was no reason why I couldn't just build one.
 

jklett

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2003
Messages
29
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

JasonJ, thank you for the reply. I will be able to get some pictures this weekend. I get what you said about the angle, and it looks like I should be OK, I just freaked myself out when I read that thread and jumped to conclusions. I am known to make mountains out of molehills at times. By the way, I finally got the chance to check out your site, and I also think you did an excellent job on that boat! It kinda gives me the courage to carry on with this project instead of testing the reaction time of the local FD ;) ! Come on spring!!!
 

jklett

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2003
Messages
29
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

I made an attempt at a website that has some pictures of the boat that I am working on. As I get better at this whole website stuff, I will update it. I will also update as I go along with the project, so if anyone wants to see what I have to work with, the site is http://www.patmedia.net/jklett .
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Project Idea Sounding Board

Checked it out. Yeah, you have a wee bit o' work ahead of ya, but just think of the end result. Good luck...
 
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