Switching to outboard

[George H260]

I'm sick of trying to find old diesel parts!!!Anyone know whether removing the engine and the fuel tank to create storage room (as per Jack's suggestion) if switching to an outboard will affect the boat's CG? Would a 9.9 four-stroke (long shaft?) be overkill for a 1978 h27? Any helpful hints as to the best height to mount the bracket and how far off the centerline, or is it simply a matter of having enough of the outboard under water at the bracket's down position. Is the stern strong enough, or should one glass-in a plywood backing plate and through-bolt the motor mount? (The "ice-box" could be used to hold the fuel tank). Sorry about all the questions!!! If anyone has done this, any input will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jack Laird]

I think

You've got the right idea. I've seen this conversion and the only drawbacks are looks and will the prop jump out of the water when the boat pitches. If you just day sail go for it. I'd like your water temp sending unit if it works. Ho Ho

 

[terry dornan]

sent an email-

I know a guy that did this and have sent an email to him- he will likely get back to you. In short he claimed it was great. He sold the boat and the new owner put one back in - his complaint was concern of the prop staying in the water terry

 

[George H260]

Thanks guys, much apprciated!

I would buy one of the new $200.00 adjustable four-stroke outboard brackets which provides good vertical travel (13.5") to get a long shaft outboard's propeller well in the water, but I'm not too concerned with pitching in our long ocean swells, just the load change on the boat without the weight of the auxiliary, but I can always mount an extra water tank aft for increased ballast in order to maintain my present waterline.