Seafari with OB in well

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

What you're proposing should give you a CG similar to the I/O, but with less engine weight, and much less weight than a bracket.

I would tread with caution here. You're not only talking about the effect of a lighter motor moved forward affecting CG, you're also talking about reduced dynamic lift where you cut the notch in the keel to accommodate the forward mounted motor affecting CL (center of lift).

Maybe the two factors will balance out, but I wouldn't go down this road unless I knew the answer to the CG/CL question before I started. If you can afford to have a naval architect run some numbers for you (I have no idea what that would cost), that would give you some assurance of success. If not, the bracket and transom mounted outboard approaches are well documented.

Not trying to discourage you, it's a novel idea. But you should know what you're getting yourself into. I went in blind on my 25 Seafari and got lucky. But there are some things I'd have done differently if I'd done more research first.

Dave