23' Outboard to Diesel conversion

[jon3030]

Guys,

I have a 1981 Potter with an enclosed transom with a 275 Verado attached to a Gil bracket. I am looking into converting it over to a single diesel and I need some recommendations as far as what horsepower for the engine and roughly how much the glass work for the engine bed, etc. would cost? Just looking for rough numbers before I commit to it, as the cost might be prohibitive.

Thanks for any input.

[Blackfin26]

Check in with "Heynow" on this site....or search his build threads. Phil is going through this at the moment.

[ScottM]

I don't have any cost info for you but I'll say this...the inboard 23's were built with a tunnel/pocket. I would think the act of creating the tunnel/pocket in a non-IB version would be enough to turn you off from the idea, unless of course your boat used to be an IB and was converted over to bracketed OB. I suppose you could go without the pocket, but then you'd be dealing with a steep shaft angle and a lot more drag, hence poor performance.

With that said, it seems the factory diesels, of which there were very few, had 165-200hp Volvos. I think there are a couple guys here on the site that have dropped 240hp Yanmars in and are getting some really nice performance. I wish I could remember who they are and I'd direct you there, but unfortunately I can't remember their user names.

BTW, your '81 is not a Potter but most likely a CSY. Mr. Potter sold the company in '80. That's not a knock on your boat by any stretch as the CSY and SeaCraft Industries boats prior to Tracker were built very well.

[heynow2203]

i own a inboard and the second go at replacing the engine bed alone cost $3500 i am installing 315 yanmar for speed but in your position you would best bet would be i/o less hp more speed a lot less work for installation

[Blue_Heron]

Ditto what Scott said. You probably don't want to convert an outboard boat to an inboard, but...

You could go with a diesel I/O with minimal modifications and good results. But it will take a very long time to recoup your cost in fuel
savings. Diesel I/Os are two to three times the cost of a gas EFI.
Dave

[KenB]

Hey what about jackshaft? Didn't kernel tug do a jackshaft on his 27? I recall there was a lot of discussion about dropping a diesel in front of a konrad i/o...?

I also think I remember someone pointing out that it would be pretty expensive compared to 4 stroke on hermco floatation bracket, which everyone agrees is best.

[jon3030]

Thanks guys, I used to have a 24' Albemarle jackshaft, great boat but I don't like outdrives. Guess I will just sell the boat.