engine on center stringer
 

Have a new vw diesel.Problem is the oilpan hits the center stringer and its an inch and a half too high.Engines an i/o.
Is the center stringer structural? Could i raise the transom assembly 2 inches?

Re: engine on center stringer
 

I dont see how it would hurt anything. Maybe cut it down enough and lay a couple layers of glass on the bottom and also to the sides of the stringer.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

Cut down the stringer enough to give you at least 2" clearance, then close/rebox the open top of the stringer with some heavy mat.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

with the motor sitting in there will it align with the out drive or do you need to raise that as well?

Re: engine on center stringer
 

engine is 10.4 inches from datum point to bottom of oilpan. I only have 9.5 inches from gimble bearing to center stringer.So I can't align (wont sit on rear mounts)unless I cut stringer(engine will be low in the bilge err) or move the transomm assembly up.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

If you move the transom assembly up, you also elevate the ventilation/cavitation plate on the lower unit. You need to check that data, too, to make sure you won't ventilate the prop in rough water or in turns should you go that route. Sometimes raising the transom group just won't work.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

Thanks Father Frank. I'm going to need someone to go over the boat and come up with the best solution.Anyone in mass want to make a few bucks?

Re: engine on center stringer
 

I wonder if the oil pan can be modified?
I know they do it for race cars, and they do offer aluminum pans as an option on most marine engines. Just a thought.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

A dry sump system would be overkill wouldn't it ? :D

Re: engine on center stringer
 

Ya think?

Re: engine on center stringer
 

I have a '78 23' Sceptre. When I repowered with a 7.4 Bravo 1, the shop doing the installation had the same issue. They did what has been suggested here, cut-down the center stringer by way of the oil pan and now, 1700 hours later, no issues.

One thing I would strongly recommend is heavily coating the oil pan with some type of epoxy or other coating to prevent corrosion, especially if it is a stamped steel pan. Because it sits so low in the hull, it will be constantly splashed with whatever water finds it's way into the bilge - then thanks to engine heat, creates it's own saltwater bath. I tend to go through oil pans at the rate of one every 3-4 years.

Last, please post pictures - would love to see your installation.
Good luck.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

Hey Water Rat I'm the guy with the cc " Blondy" in Scituate Harbor. Hopefully see you out there,really nice sceptre you got there.

Re: engine on center stringer
 

Wags, thanks for the kind words - your cc is not too shabby either. My daughter loves the name of your boat and points it out every time she sees you guys (can you guess the color of her hair?).