Outboard question

[Bob Cat]

All,

I own a 1982 Catalina 30. The Universal 5411, is kaput...does not run at all, need replacement. We rarely use the boat, just day sailing on Mission Bay, (just north of San Diego Bay). Very calm body of water.

Question...given the age / value of the boat and cost to repower, thinking about putting an out-board bracket on the transom and using a 5 HP outboard to get in and out of the slip.

Good idea / bad idea?????

Has anyone done anything like this? If so, how did it go?

I know I will have to add a backing plate to the hull inside the aft lazaret. Also pull starting the motor hanging off the stern will be a pain, but looking for a quick, cheap fix.

Thanks all.

Bob Cat

 

[jdhohmann]

Do what you need to do to get out sailing!!!

 

[Davidasailor26]

Did something go catastrophically wrong with the engine? Small diesels are pretty simple and reliable; often “does not run at all” could be something as simple as a fuel delivery problem.

You’re not the first one to ask this question for a boat that size - it comes up from time to time. The consensus, though not universal, opinion is that there are some significant challenges using an outboard. You will need to reinforce the transom, as you said. Also, you’ll need a way to keep the prop low enough in the water to work efficiently, even if the boat hobby-horses in waves. You’ll also need a way to control the motor and shift, even though it might be far away from you at the helm. And then, after managing those issues, you’ll have a 10,000 pound boat powered by a 5 hp engine, leaving you pretty under-powered in flat water, not to mention any kind of foul wind or current.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

my 11 ft dinghy with 3 people abroad is under-powered with an 8 HP outboard.

 

[Stu Jackson]

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This comes from this sbo thread by weekendrken:

1992 Catalina 30

Also: www.catalina30.com

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Would you trust the equivalent of a small lawn mower engine to stop a 10,000lbs boat in an emergency? I can elaborate on why outboards on a boat like this is not a great idea but if I had to do it, I'd go for a 15-25hp with an extra long lower end and remote controls.

What's wrong with your diesel?

 

[dlochner]

Without a working diesel your boat has a negative value, i.e., the cost of disposal. What does it cost to scrap a 10,000 pound chunk of fiberglass and lead?

With a working diesel, the boat will have value maybe as much as half the cost of a repower. And for someone looking for a C30 that new engine puts the boat in a more desirable position.