Re-power question

[Mike]

My OMC Zephyr is acting up and I was thinking of a re-power for my 25'Oday. I was thinking of using an outboard 10-20hp with through prop exhaust. The thing is, I want to mount it through the hull in the original saildrive position. I was thinking of welding a 1/4 inch aluminum plate around the lower unit that would bolt to the original hole, with controls run up to the helm. What would be the pro's and con's of such an installation? Is it even feasible?Thanks and happy sailingMikeS/V Anam Cara

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

brittle

I would be concerned that the lower unit would crack away from the plate as it vibrated if the plate were rigidly mounted to the hull. I would be afraid of leaks if not rigidly mounted. I think if I were in your position I would either repower with a new or rebuilt saildrive unit - maybe even the unit you have - or seal the hole and mount an engine on the transom.YMMV-Justin

 

[R.W.Landau]

Go with justins suggestions

Mike,I have a 78 O'Day 25 with an 8hp Outboard. It moves along nicely.I think you would have some problems with putting the motor under the cockpit floor without making an access panel in the cockpit floor. I think that an outboard inside the boat may not be the best thing to do.The new 4 strokes are so nice. They have alternaters for charging and you can even buy a Tohatsu 6 hp with an alternater( $1200- 1300). If you are lake sailing this would be fine. Another advantage is also fuel consumption, the 4 strokes use about half the gas compared to a 2 stroke.Storage under the cockpit floor.good luck with your questr.w.landau

 

[Ben Bishop]

Been there did that

I owned an Ericson 25 with an old OMC Zephyer. I ended up removing the saildrive, repowered with a Honda 9.9 (4 stroke) with heavy duty Garelick outboard bracket. It was perfect. Had an alternator too....Sealed up the hole with fiberglass, done by the yard.

 

[Mike]

Thanks

Thanks for the input. The reason I was contemplating the inboard installation was that I have an outboard on a garelick bracket...6hp johnson...and I am unhappy with it in rough conditions. When powering ahead into the chop the prop will almost come out of the water and it really limits my headway. I was jjust speculating on alternatives as I'm on a budget and can't afford a new saildrive and can't find parts for the old one. What about sandwiching a 1/2 inch rubber gasket between the plate and hull? Do you think that would negate any of the vibration or am I courting disaster. How about glassing in a jet drive from a jet ski? I'm not sure of the physics of the installation or if the components could withstand continuous immersion...but it would sure eliminate prop-walk!Thanks again guysMikeS/V Anam Cara

 

[Warren]

Repower

Suggest you repower with a two cycle, long shaft, two cylinder outboard under 10 HP. The four strokes are nice but, too heavy. Add a good heavy duty bracket and reinforce the transom!Don't forget you have a sailboat, not a power boat....The outboard should really not receive that much use.Good Luck!Warren