I'm tired of leaning over the transom to get to the outboard. I'm willing to sacrifice some speed and allow the outboard lower unit to stay in the water while I sail. I'm looking for someone who may have pioneered the field of building a motor well into this size boat. I've got an almost new long shaft, pull start. The O'day is a 1977 with the gas tank locker built into the port side of the cockpit. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
- Status
Buy another boat
You can not hack into an existing boat that way. Either buy an electic start, or look at old Pearson boats. Forget that other idea.
You can not hack into an existing boat that way. Either buy an electic start, or look at old Pearson boats. Forget that other idea.
Ambitious project
I tend to approach most projects from a practical angle first and work my way to doing the impossible for the heck of it. What you are wanting to do is a very big project that will require a skilled fabricator and a sharp boat wright to pull it off. If the only problem you have is leaning over the transom to operate your outboard, let me make this suggestion. Set you boat up with forward outboard controls, like a power boat. Then tie the outboard to your rudder to control direction, this may or may not require a different outboard. Granted the tiller will feel a little heavy but not too bad and you will have the same contol under power you have now. If you must reconstruct, buy all means do so. Just remember that any changes will change the strength of the hull. You will need to reinforce any changes you make and keep a watchfull eye until she has proven herself seaworthy. There again, unless you have considerable experience with fiberglass fabrication, find professional assistance. Good Luck and please post your solution, I am curious how it works out.
I tend to approach most projects from a practical angle first and work my way to doing the impossible for the heck of it. What you are wanting to do is a very big project that will require a skilled fabricator and a sharp boat wright to pull it off. If the only problem you have is leaning over the transom to operate your outboard, let me make this suggestion. Set you boat up with forward outboard controls, like a power boat. Then tie the outboard to your rudder to control direction, this may or may not require a different outboard. Granted the tiller will feel a little heavy but not too bad and you will have the same contol under power you have now. If you must reconstruct, buy all means do so. Just remember that any changes will change the strength of the hull. You will need to reinforce any changes you make and keep a watchfull eye until she has proven herself seaworthy. There again, unless you have considerable experience with fiberglass fabrication, find professional assistance. Good Luck and please post your solution, I am curious how it works out.
I have to agree
cutting out a BIG hole at the transom of your 22 is a bad idea. The O'Dayy 22 was not designed to have an engine well. I'd agree that if you don't want to reach over the transom ( how many times do you really do this anyways??) then get an electric start for the outboard and put the controls in the cockpit.
cutting out a BIG hole at the transom of your 22 is a bad idea. The O'Dayy 22 was not designed to have an engine well. I'd agree that if you don't want to reach over the transom ( how many times do you really do this anyways??) then get an electric start for the outboard and put the controls in the cockpit.
How about a .....
block and tackle rig from the stern rail? Something similar to a dingy davit to raise and lower the outboard as needed. You'd probably need to remove the locking mechanism from the outboard bracket. This is certainly a more practical solution compared to cutting a well and risking ruining your boat.
block and tackle rig from the stern rail? Something similar to a dingy davit to raise and lower the outboard as needed. You'd probably need to remove the locking mechanism from the outboard bracket. This is certainly a more practical solution compared to cutting a well and risking ruining your boat.
- Status