Need some advice...

[Nimble]

Just found this board today, and glad of it. I am the original owner of an '87 V-20, IO. Long story, but she has been on the hill for these last many years and sadly neglected. I am trying to decide if I want to redo her or give/sell her. I definitely do not want another IO. I've been reading some of your posts this afternoon and it seems that several of you have converted IO's to outboards with brackets. Are there brackets that fit the IO's transom? Are modifications of the brackets required? I'm in coastal South Carolina. Anyone know of a a yard or individual skilled in/familiar with such a conversion? Any experience or advise will be appreciated. Merry Christmas.
Nimble

[msbhammer]

Welcome to the site, but we are unable to answer your question at this time until you post a whoring amount of Pics. of your V-20. LOL. ;D ;D ;D ;D
We have a few guys here that have converted over from I/O to a bracket. If you have any skills, it can be done in your back yard. Tear out the I/O, patch the hole, install a single bracket of one with a platform.
Id you search teh cuddy photo gallery, look at MJ's / Macajoe. He converted his over.

[tsubaki]

Welcome to the site.
Now is a perfect time to learn about fiberglassing, etc, etc.
Got a perfect canvis to work with, your boat, your time frame and finances.
Your starting right converting to bracket.
Also POST PICTURES. It don't matter, trailer, boats present shape etc.
Add to your profile your location and boat info.

[lumberslinger178]

welcome aboard ;)

[reelapeelin]

Welcome...we got several knowledgable V20ers on the SC coast...post up some pics if ya can and let's take a look...is yours cuddy or CC?

[macojoe]

Welcome to the site!!

I did mine about 5 years ago and its still perfect!

If you have any skills at all and a few tools you can do yourself!!

First you will have to remove the motor and out drive and everything that goes with it.

But don't trash it!!! I made several hundred dollars on the old parts, they are worth a few bucks! Might even be enough there to pay for your conversion.

After that you will go on the inside of the boat and with a skill saw set to 1" square off the hole. Remove the first layer of wood (there are 2 layers of 3/4) Then square off the 2nd hole smaller then the 1st.

Leave the outside glass the way it is no cutting!!Cut a piece of 3/4 ply the size of the small hole and glass it in to the transom, then cut more ply bigger like the 2nd hole, glass that in (can use screws at this time to hold toghter while drying) Now just layer glass till you have everything level.

Now go outside and use some glass matt and wet it out filling the hole till she is full and then a layer of glass over that, your are now done!!

Line up bracket drill holes and mount bracket.
Of coarse this is the short version, but this can be done in a weekend.

Now the best way is to use as little set back as you can to get the motor up out the water.
Beggers can't be choosy I got my bracket from a local marina as a take off for $400 New $1600 cause it was a full swim platform. But was a 30 set back.

Lots of deals out there on used brackets!! So look around!
As for power, I believe a 150 hp is the smallest you should put on there but there are a few here that have less and have good numbers to go with them.

I have had a 175 on mine the hole time and always worked great for me!!

I have photos in my gallery, I sold my boat this summer to move up, But I had the boat 9 years and the first 4 was I/O like you and I feel your pain!

there you go, more info they you probably wanted

[tsubaki]

Twin 2 stroke 90's would be sweet with bracket.
http://dadmarine.com/Prez/D&D_files/fullscreen.htm
Depending on the year, the hull is rated for 135-235hp or twin 115's.

[Nimble]

Thanks to all for the comments, especially macojoe for all of the details. Who makes the brackets? My V20 is a cuddy. I have been thinking that a 150 four stroke may be a good power option if I undertake the conversion. Anyone have that configuration?

[mushman]

http://www.armstrongnautical.com/

http://www.stainlessmarine.com/single.html

http://www.seamount-mattson.com/single.htm

Here's a few mfg., and 2 of a few articles out there that will give you an idea of how it'll go on.

http://www.diy-boat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=148&Item id=49

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/engineBrackets.html

[msbhammer]

Search E-Bay as well for a bracket.

[macojoe]

There are a lot of brackets, just make sure you get a closed bracket for flotation, some call them Platoon brackets.

I have a Stainless Marine 30" set back with full swim platform.

http://syncboard.com/albums/Boat-Tackle-Box/Picture_007_Medium.sized.jpg

[randlemanboater]

*I am the original owner of an '87 V-20, IO. *Long story, but she has been on the hill for these last many years and sadly neglected. *I am trying to decide if I want to redo her or give/sell her. *Nimble


I wouldn't mess with it, just give it away.

In fact, I can help you out, just PM your address, I'll be right down to get that hideous eyesore out of your yard.



;D

[Nimble]

You got it randlemanboater. If the decision is "give," you are number one on the list. Gas up the truck.

[msbhammer]

I'm always first inline for Freebee;s ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
So where are those Pics. ;D

[cfelton]

Welcome aboard Nimble, What kind and size engine and drive do you have in it now?Mines a 170hp/470 Mercruiser that I just finished rebuilding from one end to the other, and Im looking for a parts motor to keep around or maybe rebuild and store in the garage. Let us know whatcha got. And I know Hammer wants some pics!

[pikfish]

When looking for a bracket make sure that the transom angle is correct for your boat (12 degrees I think?).

[Nimble]

It's 200hp. I believe a 305 chevy.

[cfelton]

Is it a Alpha one Merc?

[steplift20]

welcome cappt, nice boat you got there even with out seeing pics but if you need advise on boats or motors this is the place to be they always helped me out even when i asked stupid questions they know what there talking about and always on the money good luck and dont give up its not just a boat its a wellcraft and it will be your baby good luck

[msbhammer]

I think for every new member, MJ should send them a free digital camera. ;D ;D ;D

[macojoe]

No problem!! Just buy a case of them and send to me, will make sure they get passed out!! ;)

[wpearch]

buy hammer lol ;D ;D ;D

[jasoncooperpcola]

I agree with wperch! Only we want cameras like the new one mj got. ;D

[bigshrimpin]

Nimble - I did the conversion on my seacraft a year ago. If you are handy with tools you could easily build the plug and bolt on a bracket yourself.


Part 1:
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album127&page=1

Part 2:
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=seacraft_part2&page=1

Before
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/album117/P1010014_Medium.jpg

After
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/seacraft_part2/DSCN6515.jpg
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/seacraft_part2/DSCN7007.jpg
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/seacraft_part2/PB250308_Medium.jpg
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/seacraft_part2/DSCN7023.jpg

[mushman]

Wow bigshrimpin, that is amazing.You do some nice work.How long did it take from start to finish?.
You should make them and sell them they look sweet.

[bigshrimpin]

Sept - April. I did all the work at my friends place that is an hour drive each way, so I only got to work on it a few weekends a month. My friend built one before for his seacraft and was building another for his 20 seacraft while I built mine. If I had a mold for the swim platform and the bottom tub . . . it'd make a 100 hour job into a 8 hour job (over 2 days) the material cost is roughly $500.

http://www.casdvm.com/photos/suzuki%20250/DSCN5176.JPG
http://www.casdvm.com/photos/20sf/DSCN7378.JPG