StarCraft 181 SS conversion

[Shawnspeed]

I recently acquired a 181ss that has the out drive and motor removed for rebuild , and previous owners found a cracked block… it’s also an OMC120… not the most desirable powetrain.. the Transom is also out for replacement, so my plan is to fabricate an aluminum tube transom, plug the stearn drive holes and convert to an outboard. No offshore bracket, mounting to transom..will be adding internal gusset to help stiffen transom, and add a splash apron. I am somewhat new to boats , but not fabrication ( 30 years fabbing bike and car parts.. professionally) , just looking for tips or pointers from those who might have done something similar… Thanks!

 

[redneck joe]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds fun.

I'm not help but several here have done conversions and they will drop in and help

 

[Fj40fiji]

I’ll be watching!
I built a 2”x3” box tube transom for a 14’ welded boat. It was not terribly difficult but probably not worth the effort. I probably would have been better off with a single piece of tube across the top of the transom and then wood from there down. You really have to plan your penetrations, tie down eyes, swim platform etc. because water can get into the tubing and wreak havoc for a while without noticing, and compared to a wood transom it really limits where things can go to be supported on tube. I reinforced inside the tubing where the motor clamped on and sleeved where I was putting bolts that would see higher loads, but it would have been a big project to add or change anything later.

 

[Shawnspeed]

I’ll be watching!
I built a 2”x3” box tube transom for a 14’ welded boat. It was not terribly difficult but probably not worth the effort. I probably would have been better off with a single piece of tube across the top of the transom and then wood from there down. You really have to plan your penetrations, tie down eyes, swim platform etc. because water can get into the tubing and wreak havoc for a while without noticing, and compared to a wood transom it really limits where things can go to be supported on tube. I reinforced inside the tubing where the motor clamped on and sleeved where I was putting bolts that would see higher loads, but it would have been a big project to add or change anything later.

I am planning on sleeving the motor mount holes, as well as the tie down eyes..may also just add some 1/2” plate in the mounting areas, as I have some available.. thanks!