Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha outbrd

[medic3538]

Yes my fellow Sea Ray junkies...I am 1/2 way to possibly starting this porject.

Here is the concept: I am going to remove the 350 Mag off my 260 Sundancer, install an Armstrong bracket off the transom and then throw a new 350 Yamaha outboard on the boat.

I have found a yard that is wiling to take on the project with me.

I have been thinking over the power needs as have the guys at the yard in regards to the loss of the alternator from the 350 Mag. We just ordered the detailed specs from Yamaha and are just mulling around ideas in case the Yamaha alternator will not have enough juice to power the battery charging system. ANy thoughts on that one folks?

2nd: I have a few ideas of what I am going to do with the extra space in the engine room with the inboard removed. Interested in anyone's ideas on that.

I am sure many of you are thinking: "Why the heck is the guy going to trash his boat and remove his engine and make all these crazy mods.

Well, I am over hearing about my outdrive this...my inboard that, my maintenence costs are crazy, etc., etc., Yes I am aware the amount of money we may spend will ebe beyound any maintenance cost savings, but dam......

WHY CAN'T A GUY GET A NICE CRUISER WITH A YAMAHA 350 OUTBOARD ON THE BACK????

So, I think that I am going to take this on and try to complete before this summer hits. Yes, i do have a back up boat so I won't lose any time on the water just in case things go past the spring.

I will keep everyone posted and appreciate anyones comments, taunts or general, "you are nutza' buddies.

Sometimes, you just have to see if it can go down.

Wish me skill!!

 

[keokie]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

I have made some major powerplant changes in numerous vessels. While I have spent ridiculous amounts of money, I have no significant regrets. However, my changes never really impacted the original value of the vessel. In fact, it at least improved the value somewhat. What you are proposing will not only absorb large amounts of money, it will very likely have a big negative impact on the vessels value.

I agree with your premise of an outboard-powered vessel, but I wouldn't do it to yours.

 

[medic3538]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

Keokie: Thanks for your voice of reason. I was hoping somebody would give me the other side. As, when you get an idea in your head>>>>it's the BEST and how can i be wrong, if I am willing to take on the risk.

That is a good point for sure. Honestly, she is almost paid off and I (never say never) don't plan on ever letting her go. She's my first cruiser and I am attached.

Thanks for your opinion on that. I am awaiting more responses as I have never made a bad decision about my boat consulting the fellow Sea Ray owners.

Definately 1/2 way there. I am keeping an open mind for sure.

 

[fwebster]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

You do know this is a $30,000 gamble don't you?

Also the common entry point on your boat is the transom........how would you get on the boat with a beracket and Yamaha hung on the back?

 

[Newbie]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

There are places out there that can help you with your crack smoking habit, I have an employee who has been clean for about a year now. Let me find the number for you :smt100

 

[Stray Cat]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

I think you will make a Yamaha dealer and a few guys at the yard pretty happy about taking on a project like this...until the motor torques itself right of your bracket!

 

[medic3538]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

Well, that was quick. I am convinced! Bad idea. The yard boys will be bummed.

I feel better already.

Thanks guys!

 

[techmitch]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

If you do find a way of keeping that thing from twisting off the back, you can probably fit about a 500 gal. fuel tank in the bilge:smt043:smt043:smt043or you could always go this route

 

[Sundancer]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

I say GO FOR IT!! It's only money and it's not mine so I think you should do it! BUT, since you are worried about the alternator ability of the outboard, I'd add a nice big generator now that you have the space. So figure $30,000 plus another $12,000 for a generator install! Keep the original engine because when it's all done and you can't sell it you might have to reinstall and cut a NEW hole where the old BIII used to be! I think you should add an aux fuel tank to increase your range. Another 50 gallons or so ought to do it! While you are adding tanks, add a 20 gallon tank to hold the DIESEL you will be using in your generator. You want to eliminate the blowers to save weight right? Shouldn't have to run blowers on an outboard, people would think you were nuts! Wait, you are......er, nevermind......

Might as well extend the aft cabin since you have room too. You could cut out a little spot towards the back so you'll have more room! Or you could just add a bed where the engine used to be?

I can't imagine spending $30,000 (Estimate right? Gauges? Controls? What else has to be considered?) to butcher your boat. When it's done, I'm sure you will have trouble selling it even if you THINK this is the boat you intend to keep forever. What if the new mods are a dog, fuel consumption sucks (literally!) and it won't plane or ride the way you intended?? Is it worth the risk? I can't answer for you, but I think someone older, wiser and someone who's names begin with "F" will chime in here. Oops, one already has! I agree, how would you get on the boat with out the swimplatform? You'll need a new custom boarding ladder and where are you going to mount the dinghy?

Did you consider the mods to your trailer that will be required to handle the additional length? You'll have to reposition it on the trailer now too. Will the transom even hold up that kind of weight hanging off a bracket? I'm not an engineer, but my initial guess is, NO WAY JOSE!!

 

[Nehalennia]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

Damn it guys. I was going to tell him I'd send him a hot tub to install where the engine was in trade for his engine. Now I think you've spoiled it for me.

I'll take your arch when you want to install the deck bridge on her.

I agree with Keokie and think the next guy who would buy it would only be a Yamaha junkie.

 

[berth control]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

If you want that style boat, buy an offshore boat with outboards and sell yours. They are made, just not by sea ray. Look at Grady White. Keep in mind - we all may be talking about inboards and outdrives and their problems, but that's because we all run them. If you go to a website with outboards, they will be talking about fixing them.

 

[Sundancer]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

Damn it guys. I was going to tell him I'd send him a hot tub to install where the engine was in trade for his engine. Now I think you've spoiled it for me.

You'd have to get a super special hydraulic lift bracket to lift that outboard up over the transom into the hot tub to heat it. I wonder how many gallons of fuel it would take to heat the tub to a nice 100 degrees Fahrenheit? Maybe you could just divert the cooling water? Nah, you want bubbles and flowing water too and 350 HP ought to handle that easily! :grin: I think you could squeeze four people in there? What do you think Todd?

 

[jitts3]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

Why not the best of both worlds. Lets do this, I'll Help...Monster Garage Style. :smt021 Lets install not 1, but 2 outboards. But heres the kicker...lets retain the factory engine and drive as well. Thats 2 outboards and 1 I/O Now I bet that would cook. :smt043:lol::smt043:grin:.
When were done we'll rename her "STARK RAVING MAD!"

 

[Dave S]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

I assume by now you are convinced that you shouldn't do this. Just in case you aren't let me throw a few more logs on the fire.

How did you plan to deal with the hull portion of the extended swim platform? Attaching any kind of a bracket to that part of the transom is asking for it. I doubt that has enough strength for an outboard of any size. And you have to patch that big hole in the transom left after you pull the outdrive off and I doubt just patching the hole in the transom would offer enough strength for a huge outboard to be attached to that portion of the transom so now you are into totally re-engineering and redoing the transom and built in extended portion of the hull. Don't forget all your instruments are controlled by Smartcraft too so none of them will work. And how do you route fuel lines and throttle controls thru a closed transom with a big overhang without water back splashing into the bilge? And let's say you could do all of this. Aren't you worried about the "unique" traits of the 2005-2008 260DA's when coming up on plane? You may be in for a real treat with that one. Plus the 260DA has a tendency to bow steer as well and I certainly wouldn't want to test that one out with a huge outboard stuck on the back. And if none of this works out, you have pitched a lot of money down the drain and to bring the boat back to it's original configuration will probably cost thousands more, maybe more than the original modification given the transom work. I suppose you could just junk the boat too if you are willing to do that if this doesn't work out.

In short don't do it. At least that's my advice.

 

[dpmulvey]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

if you do find a way of keeping that thing from twisting off the back, you can probably fit about a 500 gal. Fuel tank in the bilge:smt043:smt043:smt043or you could always go this route

omfw!!!

 

[dpmulvey]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

It is very doable. Glad you rethought it though. If I had my druthers, Saint Max would have a couple of 350 Verado's or Yamaha's on the back.

 

[Groucho]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

To solve the alternator problem...just toss a Honda generator in the bilge area! Waaalaahhh problem solved!

 

[medic3538]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

to solve the alternator problem...just toss a honda generator in the bilge area! Waaalaahhh problem solved!

ya'll i said it wasn't going to happen. I am glad that we are all enjoying the banter however.

 

[tmhudson2]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

As a problem-solving engineer, the first question that comes to mind is, What problems do you have that you think this solution will solve? Lack of space in the engine compartment for maintenance? Corrosion of your lower unit in seawater? Rather than take a risk on ruining a perfectly good, almost new boat, if you're going to experiment, why not buy an older boat with an engine that needs replacement -- then if the experiment doesn't pan out, you can sell the outboard to someone else, and you won't have invested so much in the boat.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Re: Modification project of the year. 260 Sundancer, Armstrong bracket, 350 Yamaha ou

Maybe you should trade in the boat for one of these: