85 26ft Sundancer Outboard conversion??????????

[Jsnap]

Hi fellas I am giving some serious thought to doing an Outboard conversion on my 26ft Sundancer let me know what you think if you seen it done or heard of it... Im thinking of closing the hole and going with the Armstrong bracket I don't think it will be a problem as those transoms are plenty thick... All input welcomed thanks. Richie

 

[andy k]

I have heard of it, and I wonder why someone would want to do that to a boat. It would be very stern heavy and require tons of work.

 

[Overpowered]

i agree u would need a 300hp outboard or more it would hang way off the back of the boat and would make an already stern heavy boat handle and ride like **** I see no reason to do it at all for all the time and money u could buy a 25ft boat with an outboard on it already

 

[Big Island Lifer]

I wouldn't want to pay for it, but I would love to watch you do it! A floatation bracket would help with the stern heavy balance.



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[docofthebay]

I did this to a 1975 27 ft flybridge sportfisher that had twin 351s (230hp) going into outdrives. The engine/drives were exceedingly difficult to get parts for and the engines needed work, so I (a repair yard) pulled the motors and closed over the floor, repaired the transom, put a bracket on then hung used twin 200 Mercury's. The twin outboards were about 800 lbs lighter than 2 small block V8s and outdrives so it actually lightened the entire package. Even though I dropped 60 hp total, with the lighter weight, the performance was awesome. Great hole shot, 44mph top end. However the older 2cycle motors get worse fuel mileage. I still have this boat and use it for fishing.

 

[richard3rd]

I did this to a John Allmand 23' Hard Top, I used a Armstrong Bracket and a single 250hp outboard. Worked out GREAT! I loved that boat, I did most of the work myself, so the cost was that much of an issue. Infact the only issue was that my trailer was a little to short for the new set-up. I say your money, your boat, do what you want.

 

[Getaway]

Calumet Marine in northern Illinois has done a lot of these conversions and has been very successful doing them. I would call them and discuss your options. They are the pro's when it comes to boat repowering. I believe the guy you would need to talk to is Frank Martin. Good luck!

http://www.calumetmarine.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/

 

[JMS 8888]

If you are in saltwater the OB motors are a much better option. I/O power does not not hold up well in saltwater- even with engine flushing after every use and routine maintenance.
From a cost-benefit ratio, however, it doesn't make sense to retro fit your boat with an OB. That boat was not designed to have all that extra weight hanging off the back of it. As some of the others have already said- it's stern heavy in its current setup.
Have the motor pulled out and rebuilt- you'll probably end up saving a lot of time, money, and aggravation.
If you want OB power buy a boat that is already set up for it.