comments please

Wonder if anyone has any comments, pros or cons, about my interest in possibly converting my O/B 23cc to I/O. Just exploring the options.

[nestorpr]

The only reason I see to do that would be to convert to diesel, if that's the idea check out the Volvo and Mercruiser offerings. If not, you may be better off staying with the O/B since it's a big change to do, modifying stringers, motor mounts, transom holes, etc. I do like I/O better than O/B but most others here prefer O/B's.

[dsharp]

Scott,
The 23' that I have was originally set up with a Volvo diesel with a jackshaft to a sterndrive. It only made about 17 knts and the noise was deafening. I took it out and put a 454 Crusader in - straight inboard with 1.5-1 gear. It's still pretty heavy. It would probably run as well with a small block and a 2-1 gear. I really didn't have anything negative to say about the sterndrive, I just grew up working on straight inboard. I think I still have the jackshaft if you want it. I'm in Lake Jackson/Freeport.

[Miles Offshore]

Im an inboard fan as well and am fond of i/o's as well. I believe i/os to be faster and more efficient than straight inboards as well. I think the jackshaft combo is a really good thing these days. The few that seacraft made originally had a few issues but i know albemarle has worked all those out with there version. My brothers 24'c/c alby makes 47 knots wot with his boat-350/320 hp duoprop- not sure witch brand duoprop(Jackshaft). Anyways besides all that- i guess it depends on what you like. I do love my inboard

Thanks for the reply. The qualities you described are the reason for my interest in going that way, I to feel that my boat could be more dependable possibly more fuel efficiant and for sure quieter and as far as the speed it does 50mph with the 150s wot and thats faster than I'll ever need to go. Thanks again for the response.

I would love to at least give the jackshaft a look. Good to hear from somone from hear on the Texas coast besides myself and you I only know of on other member in our area. Any way Email me when its a good time to come down for a looksee [email protected]. Thanks for the reply.

[dsharp]

Scott, I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you. My wife's mom had to go in the hospital and I totally forgot about this. I found most of the pieces of the jackshaft. I didn't remember it being a 2-piece shaft but it looks alot like the driveshaft on a stretch-cab chevy. It all runs inside a split 4" pipe that bolts to the stringers. I think I'm missing a piece that holds the shaft in the middle. Call me at 979-849-7801 and I'll get it to you. I don't know how to get to my yahoo email,it always defaults to hotmail. I usually cut out at noon on Fridays but there is a cell number on the answering machine. I have the console off mine now so it would be easy to measure the engine placement and you can still tell where the outdrive went through the transom. My dear dad traded the outdrive for a pair of risers for a 6-71; it was pretty old anyway.