I'm looking to repower for 28' morgan out island(8,000 lbs). The inboard is shot and funds are limited. I can mount a good used 15 h.p. four stroke long shaft tohatsu for about $1,500 with romote for cockpit controls(no leaning out over the stern!) My question is does anyone have any experience with an out board on this length & weight boat? Mostly I sail in a river and near coastal waters(within 5-10 miles of the inlet / Atlantic ocean) I can't afford the big bucks to repower with a new or rebuilt inboard and I don't plan on crossing the ocean anytime soon. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks
repowering with four stroke outboard?
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Repowering with an outboard
Riversailor- Have spent too much of my life trying to juggle "limited funds" so I can relate to your problem. Fortunately, the same degree of economic necessity impelled me to learn how to fix things myself, so my approach to your problem would be to rebuild the inboard motor, but if you don't have the tools and the aptitude or the time, then that may not be an option. I spent some time sailing on a friends' 27 ft.boat that had outboard power, and I developed a strong prejudice against outboards on boats that were lange enough to have an inboard motor. In waves, the damn outboard propellor was out of the water half the time. When anyone went up on the bow to pick up a mooring or to raise/lower the jib the prop would be half out and cavitate. For an OB to be effective on a boat your size it should have a fairly large diameter prop and enough gear reduction to allow the prop to operate effectively: the 'universal' props on most outboards don't work very well on a relatively heavy displacement hull as they have too much pitch and are intended to run at a higher RPM & boat speed. Another factor against outboards is their relatively small alternators, which limit your electrical system. On the plus side, if you need to repair an outboard, you can just yank the thing off the boat and take it to a shop or home for service. I'd have a good hard look at my inboard and cost the repairs required, or look at the option of installing a used motor before I'd spend $1500 plus the time required to get the outboards installed and working properly, but that's just one opinion. One thing sure ; it's better to be able to enjoy the boat with a less than ideal setup (the outboard) than to stay on shore. Good luck.
Riversailor- Have spent too much of my life trying to juggle "limited funds" so I can relate to your problem. Fortunately, the same degree of economic necessity impelled me to learn how to fix things myself, so my approach to your problem would be to rebuild the inboard motor, but if you don't have the tools and the aptitude or the time, then that may not be an option. I spent some time sailing on a friends' 27 ft.boat that had outboard power, and I developed a strong prejudice against outboards on boats that were lange enough to have an inboard motor. In waves, the damn outboard propellor was out of the water half the time. When anyone went up on the bow to pick up a mooring or to raise/lower the jib the prop would be half out and cavitate. For an OB to be effective on a boat your size it should have a fairly large diameter prop and enough gear reduction to allow the prop to operate effectively: the 'universal' props on most outboards don't work very well on a relatively heavy displacement hull as they have too much pitch and are intended to run at a higher RPM & boat speed. Another factor against outboards is their relatively small alternators, which limit your electrical system. On the plus side, if you need to repair an outboard, you can just yank the thing off the boat and take it to a shop or home for service. I'd have a good hard look at my inboard and cost the repairs required, or look at the option of installing a used motor before I'd spend $1500 plus the time required to get the outboards installed and working properly, but that's just one opinion. One thing sure ; it's better to be able to enjoy the boat with a less than ideal setup (the outboard) than to stay on shore. Good luck.
Two other factors to consider...
1. There is a negative impact on boats converted from inboard to outboard resale value. 2. Displacement boats with gasoline outboards tend to consume almost twice the fuel than inboard diesels with no real gain in speed. Be creative and energetic. Shop around and look for deals. Used low hour engines from abandoned or salvaged boats (there should be something down your way). Rebuild and/or install it yourself with help from a mechanic friend; work in trade. Where there is a will there is a way. I expect that everything on your boat is already set up for inboard. If it were my boat I would do what I could to re-power with an inboard. I would be much happier in the end. Terry
1. There is a negative impact on boats converted from inboard to outboard resale value. 2. Displacement boats with gasoline outboards tend to consume almost twice the fuel than inboard diesels with no real gain in speed. Be creative and energetic. Shop around and look for deals. Used low hour engines from abandoned or salvaged boats (there should be something down your way). Rebuild and/or install it yourself with help from a mechanic friend; work in trade. Where there is a will there is a way. I expect that everything on your boat is already set up for inboard. If it were my boat I would do what I could to re-power with an inboard. I would be much happier in the end. Terry
27 feet 7000 pounds with outboard
Hi Riversailer, My Hunter is just slightly smaller and lighter than your Morgan and I have an 8 hp 4 banger hanging off the back. While not the greatest it works fine. I sail on the Delaware River and it has enough power for my needs. I've been slowly resurrecting my inboard Renault diesel but do not use it and am actually thinking of just removing it at this point. I'd have to guess that a 15 hp would be perfect for your boat. I would recommend an "extra" long shaft. My Honda is a long shaft and I have lowered my mount to minimize it popping out but it will still pop out some times (tug wakes - they are enormous waves!). Another recommendation if you are going for the outboard is don't skimp on the mount, get a mount with a lot of travel. My mount travels about 9 inches and it is not enough to get the prop out of the water in the up position but still get the prop deep enough to keep it from popping out. I think Garelick makes a mount that travels 14 inches. Regarding the prop, some outboards have different props you can buy. You'd want to consult the dealer to see what the options are. I don't think I can re-prop mine but I would like to. My prop is over pitched and when I advance the throttle past a certain point it just will not go faster, it will just use more fuel. If you can fix your diesel and make it reliable for less than the outboard that is your best option, if not, the outboard is not bad. The best thing about an outboard is it makes docking a lot easier! Manny
Hi Riversailer, My Hunter is just slightly smaller and lighter than your Morgan and I have an 8 hp 4 banger hanging off the back. While not the greatest it works fine. I sail on the Delaware River and it has enough power for my needs. I've been slowly resurrecting my inboard Renault diesel but do not use it and am actually thinking of just removing it at this point. I'd have to guess that a 15 hp would be perfect for your boat. I would recommend an "extra" long shaft. My Honda is a long shaft and I have lowered my mount to minimize it popping out but it will still pop out some times (tug wakes - they are enormous waves!). Another recommendation if you are going for the outboard is don't skimp on the mount, get a mount with a lot of travel. My mount travels about 9 inches and it is not enough to get the prop out of the water in the up position but still get the prop deep enough to keep it from popping out. I think Garelick makes a mount that travels 14 inches. Regarding the prop, some outboards have different props you can buy. You'd want to consult the dealer to see what the options are. I don't think I can re-prop mine but I would like to. My prop is over pitched and when I advance the throttle past a certain point it just will not go faster, it will just use more fuel. If you can fix your diesel and make it reliable for less than the outboard that is your best option, if not, the outboard is not bad. The best thing about an outboard is it makes docking a lot easier! Manny
i got a 27' and no in board
it weighs in at 5000# but the stern is cut low for an out board and i have a 3hp in the trunk for it i think i tried it once and the gas was bad but i dont have any current to deal with on the lake
it weighs in at 5000# but the stern is cut low for an out board and i have a 3hp in the trunk for it i think i tried it once and the gas was bad but i dont have any current to deal with on the lake
Pooped!!!
I saw a Pearson 323 with an outboard hung on the stern and it looked awful!!! But even more importantly if you are out in the ocean the outboard may get submerged by every large passing wave. If you stay in a lake or bay situation it might be OK but out in the ocean I'd be concerned.
I saw a Pearson 323 with an outboard hung on the stern and it looked awful!!! But even more importantly if you are out in the ocean the outboard may get submerged by every large passing wave. If you stay in a lake or bay situation it might be OK but out in the ocean I'd be concerned.
another consideration
Not sure how marinas operate in your neck of the woods, but in the West, many marinas require all boats to be kept in the originally designed/built configuration. To pass the inspection, the vessel must be powered with the same engine configuration it was built with; outboards on transom mounts are not allowed on boats that were built with inboards and such vessels are barred from obtaining a slip.
Not sure how marinas operate in your neck of the woods, but in the West, many marinas require all boats to be kept in the originally designed/built configuration. To pass the inspection, the vessel must be powered with the same engine configuration it was built with; outboards on transom mounts are not allowed on boats that were built with inboards and such vessels are barred from obtaining a slip.
Opinion: repowering with an outboard
as far as your old inboard goes: You did not say if it was a Diesel or Atomic 4 If its a diesel I would consider having it rebuilt. If its gasoiline I would consider the outboard. I have a pearson 26 about 5400lbs. works fine with 8hp outboard. Moves the boat at hull speed with about 1/2 throttle. but my boat was built for an outboard with a cutout in the transom for mounting. For river use you could probably get by with a 10hp. LIghter easier to lift. less strain on the bracket and transom Good luck what ever you decide. Bob Fox 1975 P26W #75 whitecap
as far as your old inboard goes: You did not say if it was a Diesel or Atomic 4 If its a diesel I would consider having it rebuilt. If its gasoiline I would consider the outboard. I have a pearson 26 about 5400lbs. works fine with 8hp outboard. Moves the boat at hull speed with about 1/2 throttle. but my boat was built for an outboard with a cutout in the transom for mounting. For river use you could probably get by with a 10hp. LIghter easier to lift. less strain on the bracket and transom Good luck what ever you decide. Bob Fox 1975 P26W #75 whitecap
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