Outboard conversion from a saildrive

[stillwater_sailor]

Hello,
I have a S2 8.0 with the zephyr saildrive. I considering replacing the inboard saildrive with an outboard and i'm curious about the best way to accomplish the task. I'm assuming it would be best to mount the outboard centerline thrust and move the ladder to one side? Also, i'm assuming I should pull the lower unit and fiberglass over the engine mount? Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank You.

 

[caguy]

I covered the hole with an aluminum plate. I used butyl tape to seal it.
Why are you not rebuilding the motor?

This is a picture of the extra one I picked up. It is 1/2 x12".

If you want it I can send it for cost of postage.

 

[stillwater_sailor]

I covered the hole with an aluminum plate. I used butyl tape to seal it.
Why are you not rebuilding the motor?

I have had trouble with the engine in the past, issues with the lower cylinder flooding and hydro-lock. I have replaced gaskets a couple of times to get it running again, but my repairs seem to be temporary and inconsistent. None of the local mechanics have been able to work on the engine, so I prefer something with simpler maintenance.

 

[caguy]

Mine was totally flooded, as the boat was half sunk. I replaced it with an 18hp Tohatsu electric start. I was looking for a 15hp but got such a good deal on this one I couldn't pass it up. I had to get new throttle and shift cables and adapt them to the cockpit controls.
Being able to pull it off in a few minutes and take it home to work on it is really nice.

 

[jlillie]

The saildrive was gone along with the fuel tank when i got my 8.0a. After doing a lot of research, and wieghing options i decided to go the out board route as well. I removed the saildrive mount ring and glassed the hole in from top and bottom. I also glassed in the old exhaust thru hull. I then reinforced the inside of of the transom with several layers of woven-roven. I bolted the motor bracket to 2 pieces of starboard on either side of the transom. on the outside I used 5200 to seal the starboard to the transom.
As for my outboard, its a 9.9 electric start Yachtwin with the extra long shaft. I got an incredible deal on it because it didn't have any spark. I fixed that quick with a new power pack, rebuilt the fuel pump, changed out the old water pump and changed the lower unit oil. Starts right up and purs like a kitten.
For the controls, i used the original saildrive control with new OMC shift and throttle cable. Also rigged up a choke cable all from the original control panel. In order for the controls to work I had to buy the OMC remote kit for the motor which was 100 bucks. Now, the only reason i should have to lean over the back is to prime the carb or raise lower the motor. I also installed a new 20 gal fuel tank and fuel filter/water strainer.
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to seem some more detailed pics.

 

[caguy]

The saildrive was gone along with the fuel tank when i got my 8.0a. After doing a lot of research, and wieghing options i decided to go the out board route as well. I removed the saildrive mount ring and glassed the hole in from top and bottom. I also glassed in the old exhaust thru hull. I then reinforced the inside of of the transom with several layers of woven-roven. I bolted the motor bracket to 2 pieces of starboard on either side of the transom. on the outside I used 5200 to seal the starboard to the transom.
As for my outboard, its a 9.9 electric start Yachtwin with the extra long shaft. I got an incredible deal on it because it didn't have any spark. I fixed that quick with a new power pack, rebuilt the fuel pump, changed out the old water pump and changed the lower unit oil. Starts right up and purs like a kitten.
For the controls, i used the original saildrive control with new OMC shift and throttle cable. Also rigged up a choke cable all from the original control panel. In order for the controls to work I had to buy the OMC remote kit for the motor which was 100 bucks. Now, the only reason i should have to lean over the back is to prime the carb or raise lower the motor. I also installed a new 20 gal fuel tank and fuel filter/water strainer.
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to seem some more detailed pics.

That looks pretty clean. Where are your throttle and shift control cables. I put my bulb in side the boat so if I do have to prime I only need to lift the fuel storage lid, I installed an electric choke so no more having to reach over to do that. It is wired to the key and is activated by pushing key in and turn to start.

 

[jlillie]

Thanks! The control cables run to the original saildrive control in the cockpit. Since the saildrive and control was omc the new OMC cables bolted right up even though the control is over 35yrs old I could have actually used the original cables as well if they would have been 8 inches longer. In any case, i ran the cables right along the bottom of the cockpit sole and swung them around over the fuel tank to the port side and up to the control. Worked out rather nicely. I would have much rather installed an electric choke as well but i couldn't seem to find one for the 87 Evinrude though i may not have looked hard enough. If i can find one though, I'll switch over. Concerning the primer bulb, i had every intention of installing it under the settee like you did but my old salty sailer friend was there at the time and advised against it. He said you'd rather have that leak outside than inside and i thought it wasn't much trouble to lean over to prime anyway so....
I installed push button start/stop swithes where the original blower switch panel was. Eventually, i'll install a key switch like you have for the marina and especially if i get an electric choke.

 

[jlillie]

I forgot to ask in previous post - do you still have the blower setup and running? I'm told i still need to have it since the fuel tank is down below.

 

[Jtoben]

My first S2 was the 8.0b, aft cockpit, shoal draft. It came with a 15hp long shaft, mounted on the port half of the transom on a motor lift. As a girl weighing about 120 lbs, I had no problem lifting and lowering the engine, and it had sufficient power to manage some pretty nasty Lake Michigan storms. Having the engine mounted off center posed absolutely no problems at all in steering or backing. We now have the 11.0 a, but are considering downsizing again in a few years, since I like to sail with gal pals when my husband isn't feeling up to it, and the 11.0 has some pretty heavy loads for me 30 years later! I'd consider going back to the 8.0 in a heartbeat, but would opt for the outboard for simplicity.

 

[philwsailz]

I wouldn't be too concerned about an outboard mounted off-center. The Catalina 22 that was across the cove from your dock had an offset motor on it and it handled just fine. A benefit to having the motor offset is that it can be right behind you when motoring out; it makes getting to the throttle and shift lever a little easier.

Phil

 

[caguy]

I have a ladder in the center of my transom and so mounted the motor to the port side so the ladder would clear. It has not been a problem. The only advantage to having the motor in the center is that the prop will not leave the water when severely heeled. That has not been a problem, however, when heeled and in large swells or when hit by the wake of a @#$%^$ power boat it will leave the water. Doesn't happen often. Not worth rebuilding your rail or moving ladder. For me a big advantage to having it off center is that I can back under the motor with the tailgate down. It's really easy to just lower the motor on to the truck an inch or two. If it were in the center the truck would not clear the rudder.
Here are some pictures:

 

[jlillie]

Stillwater; I just created an album in my profile all about my outboard repower. Have a look.
CaGuy; I wanted to mention you can get a cable thru hull hood from west marine. I think i paid about 15 bucks for it. kinda neatens things up and helps keep the water out(I hope u don't mind me saying). There's a good close up of mine in my album. I really like the looks of that engine bracket. Never seen one like that. who makes that?

 

[caguy]

Nice job jlillie. I too have one of those boots just haven't installed it yet. I think I will bundle my wires into one of those plastic cable wrap encasements. I've seen some at the surplus yard that will work nicely.
Do you have trouble raising the boat mount or tilting your motor with all of the cables? It seems to put a lot of strain on them so I just leave the motor in the water.

 

[jlillie]

Ok, I was just afraid you'd take offense at me mentioning about the boot. I ended up using a plastic spiral wrap from west marine which I really don't like much. They had these nifty wire covers made from nylon material with Velcro on one side but they were pricey and way to big for my small group of wires.
Raising the motor takes some muscle for sure, lowering of course not so much. All the way up or down the cables are ok though. The problem I still have is when I raise the motor all the way up the cables are ok but if I try and tilt the motor at that point I don't get much more play. I really do not want the lower unit sitting down in the water in the worst way. Also, not even sure how I could tilt the motor form the cock pit. How do you tilt yours up?

 

[jlillie]

Oh ya, I wanted to mention, I cut the hole for the cables and wires as big as the cable boot wood allow. I did that so I could get the most possible play for the cables.

 

[caguy]

Ok, I was just afraid you'd take offense at me mentioning about the boot. I ended up using a plastic spiral wrap from west marine which I really don't like much. They had these nifty wire covers made from nylon material with Velcro on one side but they were pricey and way to big for my small group of wires.
Raising the motor takes some muscle for sure, lowering of course not so much. All the way up or down the cables are ok though. The problem I still have is when I raise the motor all the way up the cables are ok but if I try and tilt the motor at that point I don't get much more play. I really do not want the lower unit sitting down in the water in the worst way. Also, not even sure how I could tilt the motor form the cock pit. How do you tilt yours up?

Not offended at all. You inspired me to pick up some tubing to clean up the wires. The stuff is pretty nice it is not a spiral but split. It was a buck/foot for he 1" and .55 for the 5/8".
I've only raised it a few times to reach the prop and unwrap an anchor and a lobster hoop line, I seemed to put a lot of strain on the cable attachments. I UST leave it in the water when I sail. I don't think it adds that. much drag on the boat.