Inboard to outboard conversion

[colinwcolclough]

This may sound like the opposite of what most people want to do but.... I have a Monark 585 cruiser and would like to remove the 120hp volvo inboard / outdrive and build a bathing platform to take a 4 stroke outboard of about 40 hp ( for a couple of years until I can afford an inboard diesel. This would also give me loads more fishing space as the engine cover will not intrude. Has anybody tried this before, What problems were encountered and resolved? Any helpful suggestions would be gratefully received! Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Personally I would keep the outdrive leg, if the boats only for fishing and you dont want to do 30 knots, out the petrol and fit a Ford Transit 2.5 DI engine call Lancing Marine ask for Mike Bellamy, they have the parts to marinise the engine and all the necessary know how to do it, save loads on petrol and make the boat worth more when you come to sell it, the engine is 70 to 75 hp in standrs form and a good one can be obtained for just a couple of hundred quid from a reputable breakers yard.

Paul.

 

[jfm]

Re: 40hp....

Surely 40hp way too small, or do you only want displacement speed?

JFM

 

[Col]

The other things to consider are- firstly,you will be left with a transom hole to fill,secondly,the boat is likely to become un-balanced with the weight of the engine moved that far back.Most boats with outboards have a cut out in the transom to accomodate the motor head.with all that work,I would go with Pauls suggestion.You could go with a smaller engine if your not bothered about speed,maybe 1.8 diesel (Escort) kits also available for these.