Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

I ´m considering to replace on my 38´Cigarette (built 1985) the obsolete TRS drives by #5 or #6 speedmasters.

Konrad is not an option.

Is there anybody who has done such a modification.

Do I need to replace the old transom completly.

Thanks

Joe

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

I love this question. Would like to add more though:
When you are doing such major work to the transom is it worth going ahead and boxing the bottom out like the newer TG's are? All at the same time?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

why isnt konrad an option? they cost less and will fit the existing transom assembly with no modifications to transom which will save much$$$

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Konrad looks reliable but parts are hard to find outside the US, above all the TRS conversion packages are supplied with no warranty ( 20K is not so cheap) .

What I like to learn, is there anybody who has experience with a transom adapter plate to convert from TRS to SSM V / VI, or do I have to replace definitely the whole transom, which is indeed a big deal.

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Hello joee,

I thought I'd chime in here and hopefully add some first hand insight to your dilemma.

Two seasons ago, I was in the same position as you. I've got an '89 Cigarette Top Gun with TRS drives. With the power I'm running (700 hp) drive life was not very good. We were in need of a reasonable alternative.

When you really take a long hard look at the entire picture, there are'nt many options. Used Speedmasters are a gamble. Myself, I would not even consider buying used. Parts are extremely expensive and unless you are buying current models, parts will be an issue down the road.

I'm quite sure that Speedmaster Fives will be discontinued very soon. At the Miami show, I had asked why they did not have any IIIA's, IV's or V's in their booth. I was told that they're old technology and something new is in the works.

Yes, the Speedmaster Six is the king of sterndrives. The mighty Six delivers incredible reliability but the ridiculous price of the Six drive just doesn't make sense for older boats like ours. Not to mention the cost of completely re-rigging the engine compartment.

In the end, my final decision was a pair of Konrad 540's The installation was completed in one day. They are a direct bolt-on without any modifications at all. After two seasons of hard running, I could not be happier. Konrad Marine has totally eliminated sterndrive failure on my boat. I've logged 200+ hrs on them and have been able to enjoy this boat in ways that I've never imagined.

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

As a follow up to my last post, I was so impressed with the Konrad product and the people behind this company that I've since taken a position with them as a sales/marketing rep for their hi performance division.

I hit the road with Konrad last March, travelling around the country visiting performance shops and boat builders from Florida to Maine. Sales have been fantastic and we are really starting to get peoples attention with our rugged drives.

As for our warranty, as long as the drive is installed within our rated torque level (740 ft/lbs) we offer a one year warranty on the all 540 drives. Higher power levels with factory approval.

To answer your concern of parts availability, The Konrad plant stocks hundreds of replacement parts for not only the US Navy but the Dutch Military and Hong Kong police as well.

I'd really like to be able to help you. Where are you located and what is your current power level?

Kurt
[email protected]

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

540 /800s on mine with no problems...

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Here is my 85 38 Cig with Konrads taking a beating on Lake Michigan. Best thing I ever did!!

Mark

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

actually now with the new power i am soon (prob this winter) going to need to decide on some long term replacement or modification to replace the 15 year old bravos we got in the revo. we already bought three new transom assemblies for the bravos.
Biggus do you know if kondrad has a drive replacment bolt on kit for the bravo? the engines are basically new dynoed 643 hp 670 torque. do you know what kind of warranty they come with? how much do the drives cost?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Isn't Mercury c*ck blocking Konrad in court with screwing with "their" bravo market?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

you call that a beating?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

No, not at all. That was a rumor started here on OSO.

375 Stinger,

Our new Bravo retrofit set up has a stand-off box. The transmission is located inside the box. The motor stays in the same location as a Bravo.

Retail price on the drive alone is around 9k depending on options. Warranty is 1 year.

[email protected]

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

thanks for clearing that up, is it the same drive as the TRS replacement and same HP rating?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Yes, the 540 drive is also used in the TRS conversion. Very conservatively rated at 740 ft lbs of torque.

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

how much cost for total retrofit in parts(trannys boxes drives etc)? also, i see most of them with the nose cones on the lower units. do the drives come with the nose cones on is it an option?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

All that X3 ?......A BUNCH !!....But konrads are sweet....

Kurt....What about the "Shiftable" drive Konrad was working on ?....Any news on how much longer ?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Mr Cig... awsome flatdeck! :drink:

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

can you replace a bravo with the konrad?

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by CMG
Isn't Mercury c*ck blocking Konrad in court with screwing with "their" bravo market?



No, not at all. That was a rumor started here on OSO.

375 Stinger,

Our new Bravo retrofit set up has a stand-off box. The transmission is located inside the box. The motor stays in the same location as a Bravo.

Retail price on the drive alone is around 9k depending on options. Warranty is 1 year.


:D

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

Engines have 600 hp each but shall be upgrated, depending on the typ of drives I can install under reasonable efforts.

Boat is located in Europe, so Konrad parts & services are hard to find.

Concerning the warranty I have doubts that Konrad will issue a warranty on an application that they couldn't have approved, commissioned or modified by themselves.

Re: Transom modification on 38´Cigarette
 

My T/G is a TRS Boat converted to Vs..No you dont have to replace the transom