Inboard vs. Outboard

[Dan Weatherly]

I have an O'Day 27 with the original Farymann diesel. It even runs. Sometimes. I am considering taking the diesel out and hanging an electric start 10/15 hp outboard (Yamaha or Honda, long shaft that are advertised as saiboat intended) on the stern with a bank of batteries where the diesel now sits. If anyone has done this on a 27/28 O'Day and willing to share the wealth of your experience, I would appreciate your thoughts on the subject. Objective or otherwise. Thanks, Dan

 

[Don Evans]

Two Big Drawbacks

Hi Dan,An original Farymann diesel? Thats interesting, as I did not know O'Day used this manufacturer. You say its working, so why replace it? Is it service ability? Can it be brought back to life with a shop that knows these engines?There are a couple of shops in my neck who still service this brand of diesel. Two drawbacks I can see, besides the outlay of capital to purchase a replacement motor, is the loss of a prop down deep in the water, especially with ocean swells, and the loss of a charging system. You do get more bilge room, and stuffing box's become just a memory. I'm wondering if you are not happy with the horsepower of your Farymann, or its top end RPM? Perhaps the prop is incorrectly sized? If it is shot I can understand your reluctance to fork out 7 grand to replace it. Have you shopped around Alaska for a good used diesel.Don

 

[Don Rzasa]

Replace your inboard with an outboard? That's pretty ironic - I was just surfing to find if anyone's retrofitted an inboard on their original outboard style. I have an '86 272 that I've had since new with a Honda 9.9. This was adequate for the 8 years I sailed her on Lake George, NY. Now that I'm the bigger water there have been a few times that I wish I had a little more power and definitely deeper in the water. Between chop and swells, it doesn't take much bobbing to pull the Honda's screw up and out. The Honda's been a great engine, powerful and reliable, and being able to direct it's thrust in tight spots is definitely an advantage. But I'm still toying with the idea of going inboard. It's the only thing on "Razcal" I'd consider changing (other than adding a mainsheet traveler).

 

[Russ Marcks]

Unless you just don't want to spend the money on the boat, I would really exhaust my options about rebuilding or replacing the inboard. I've always thought the advantages of an inboard easily outweighed the disadvantages; of course such a statement is a highly personal one.I have an O'Day 25 with an OMC SailDrive, and although I know there is quite a difference, I wouldn't give it up for an outboard for anything. Even though it is a bit of pain.Those [few] persons I know that have done what you're proposing have actually regretted it.RKM

 

[Larry Bailey]

Outboard vs Inboard

I had my Atomic 4 removed last year and replaced it with a Honda 9.9 longshaft.I use the vacated area for extra storage, i.e. sails.I sail the Chesapeake and the boat/motor has performed great!