earl_dame

Hi everyone,
Just joined OSO since I just acquired a 1982 Chris Craft Stinger 260. The boat is in pretty bad shape, but I'm wanting to convert it from a twin sterndrive (SBC 350 ci.) to a single straight drive inboard (SBC 350 ci.). I know this is sacrilege, but I've always wanted to do a project of this type. The main goal for this boat is to be a fishing boat and recreational runabout, so top speed is NOT a concern.

So my questions are:

1. I/O to inboard conversion - Can it be done?
2. Stringer construction - conversion of box frame to trad. stringers?
3. Running angle/trim - Should CG/CB/DWL be changed since boat will no longer need to operate at high speeds (30 kts. cruiser, 39 kts. WOT)?
4. Does anyone know of any other boat that has gone through this transformation? If so, what were the results?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm intrigued if this project is feasible.

Thanks so much for your help.

Best Regards,

Earl
Tampa, FL

Pantera24

Earl I can tell you without a doubt it can be done. My brother in law actually bought a 260 Stinger at auction back in the 80's that was an inboard conversion. He always talks about what an awesome boat it was. I'll talk to him and see if he has any pics.
Angel

earl_dame

Angel,

Thanks so much for replying. I would be ecstatic if I could see some photos of your brother-in-law's boat. I have not been able to find any info on this type of conversion. I really do love the lines and hull profile of the 260 stinger. I'm also trying to find info on how to add stringers for an inboard installation. I haven't torn up the cockpit floor to see what's underneath, but I'm assuming it is a simple box frame/grid and no longitudinal stringers. I read on another site about "SeaCast" products as an alternative to wood stringers. Have you heard any info on this product?

Thanks so much for your feedback.

Cheers,

Earl

psmith

[B]I can tell you now that a single 350 will not plane a 260 Stinger,I have two that put out over 400hp each, and one alone want plane the boat, so you need to look at BIG blocks, 502?????

jeff32

You are right, single small block wont even plane. I know a guy here that went from twin 350 to single 454, and regretted his move.

HuronRiverRat

I had a drive coupling go bad this fall and had to come home on one engine. Like you guys said, It wont even think about planing. That with twin I/O's though. It might be different with an inboard. The engine will be farther forward and the shaft will be in the center of the boat. It wont have much performance, but If the engine is mounted in the correct spot, it should plane. Isnt there a boat like this for sale on ebay now? Has to be the same one..

mopower

Yo guy's...wake up. The reason one 350 won't plane it when you have twins is the fact you are WAY over propped when running a single PLUS you're dragging an extra drive through the water
This is all like taking your truck with the emergency brake on and trying to start out in 3rd gear.
A single 350 inboard will plane a 26 foot boat. It may only be 25/30 mph ...but it will plane