Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

[mr. ugly]

I have a 79' wellcraft airslot 24'(24.5' loa with 8' beam) with twin 470 merc i/o's that are toast. Looking to convert it to a bracket with a single 250hp yamaha ox66. Looking for input on the conversion. Weight issues, balance issues, etc. I would be removing about 1500 lbs of i/0 and driveline and adding 540 lbs on a 18" setback bracket. (not shure of bracket weight)

I am aware that this is a money pit. The boat was my grandfathers and has been in the family all its life. I would like to keep it that way. Alot of fond memories and good times on this boat.

The reason for the 0x66 is that I already have a good running one in need of a boat.

thanks,
kelly

 

[Bondo]

Re: Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

I have a 79' wellcraft airslot 24'(24.5' loa with 8' beam) with twin 470 merc i/o's that are toast. Looking to convert it to a bracket with a single 250hp yamaha ox66. Looking for input on the conversion. Weight issues, balance issues, etc. I would be removing about 1500 lbs of i/0 and driveline and adding 540 lbs on a 18" setback bracket. (not shure of bracket weight)

I am aware that this is a money pit. The boat was my grandfathers and has been in the family all its life. I would like to keep it that way. Alot of fond memories and good times on this boat.

The reason for the 0x66 is that I already have a good running one in need of a boat.

thanks,
kelly

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... I've witnessed 'bout 1/2 dozen I/O to outboard conversions,...

None were Successful,... Most were junked, 'n 1 was converted back to an I/O,...

Bein' 470s, yer kinda in a pickle, as the only I-motors that'll fit are 3.0ls,...
You'd have to glass in the transom, 'n recut the keyholes Wider to fit V-motors,...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

Welcome to iBoats!

I'm no Expert but I have to agree with Bond-o. From what I've seen, heard, and learned here on the forum, almost all of these types conversions are unsatisfactory. Not saying it can't be done, it's just that the boat was designed for the I/O's and changing the design and weight distribution etc. seems to always negatively effect the overall dynamics of the boat. I have seen a few that are happy with the end results but most are not. Just my 2?!!!

 

[mr. ugly]

Re: Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

These hulls came in an outboard version with a 235 rude/johny. That why I was under the assumption that this would work well. Is it the bracket? If so, what about a bracket/outboard makes this not work well? Didn't think an 18" setback would be that extreme. Just trying to figure out this whole situation.

thanks,
kelly

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

I'm not 100% sure, but I would think the hull design of the I/O version and the OB version would be a bit different. Usually the angle of the Transom on an OB is different than that of an I/O for one thing and extending the POD for the OB off the back of the boat for sure changes the COG of the boat and from what I've heard can cause handling issues with the boat. As I stated before, I'm no expert and never done this so this is only coming from research and 2nd hand knowledge. This might be of interest...

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...repair/converting-inboard-outboard-63215.html

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

For what it's worth, I own 2 18' Dixie runabouts. One I/o, one outboard. I can find NO difference between the two structurally besides the splash well molded into the cap for my outboard. Stringers are placed the same, same height, etc. If that manufacturer had two identical like mine, maybe it would work as either?

 

[73Chrysler105]

Re: Twin i/o to single outboard conversion. What to expect.

I don't know if I would go with a 18" setback but i would definitely go through the transom and make sure the wood was solid and maybe add some more thickness to it depending on the current thickness of the wood.