replacement engine/outboard-- reposted

[steve L5538]

This is a repost of my previous message because I realized I'd neglected to put that it was specific to 28's. Apologies to those who already read this-- no need to read further if you read the first.The boat I'm considering buying is an '82 28' whose Diesel (5411) somehow got water in it and seized. (The story from the mechanic working on the boat is that during rough weather on the mooring water went up the exhaust and into the engine-- is that likely/possible?) Anyway, the engine's gotta go and I'm not sure I want to go through finding and replacing the 5411-- or any inboard, for that matter. So, the question is whether anyone has seen or has themselves used an outboard on a 28'? This may seem a bit outrageous, but I know of people who've gotten rid of Atomic 4's on C & C 27's and used Yamaha 4 stroke outboards (8-9.5 hp) seemingly without problem. Different boat, different dynamics, etc. Still, was wondering if there is any experience out there on this. It would make the boat much more attractive if I could get a quick and simple solution. Another, related question would be: if I could actually use an outboard should I leave the 5411 in the boat for weighting and balancing purposes? Be interested in any advice/experience.thanksSteve

 

[flyhop]

We have an O/B on our 28

PO (previous owner) pulled out OMC Saildrive that was giving him fits, and glassed over the hole in the hull. We got it with a Yamaha 9.9 4-stroke on an overwhelmed Garelick motor mount (not made for a 4-stroke) and is now clamped to a new and very significant motor mount. Advantages:1. easy to take to mechanic in the off-season2. delivers 6.5 knots boat speed3. quiet inside boat while under power4. seems to sip gas, but we have no experience with an inboard engine, so what do I know5. rigged up for electric start and control cables to pedestal control levers with little trouble6. much more accessible for DIY servicing7. zero drag when raised out of the water8. easy to clear when they get fouled9. one less hole in your hull10. not as ugly as you would think (but what do I care anyway)Disadvantages:1. loud when you are in the cockpit2. either heavy to lift (motor mount springs too old/light)or hard to push down (too heavy duty springs in lift) into the water, but can be cumbersome and at an awkward angle3. in rough seas (even in our freshwater lake on occassion), the bow-to-stern rock of the boat can both pull the prop out of the water and then get very close to submerging it; I'm fairly sure that when you are in that kind of weather, you want your prop to have something other than intermitent contact with the water4. if the motor quits and weather is a bit rough, do you really want to be leaning WAAAAY out over the transom?5. they can fall off of a boat if something breaks on the mount (then again, so can an inboard's prop, but I think a new outboard is going to be more expensive)6. will NEVER charge your batteries the way a good inboard with a decent alternator can7. not a traditionally yachty look (read: ugly)8. did I mention they are loud?I really think it depends on the environment in which you sail. Big ocean swells could really put the hurt on an outboard and weaken the bracket/transom. That said, an inboard is probably overkill on an inland freshwater lakes. We use ours to get in and out of the slip and when wind dies and it's getting dark. That's it.Honestly, there are days I would like to chunk ours and install an inboard/saildrive, and there are boats at our marina with owners wishing the same about their inboards. Look at what you need, what environment you are going to be operating under, and really examine what is important to you. Let's see what others think. Should be a good post for the group.p.s. As to your question about boat balance, weight shift, etc., I have no clue.