Re-power project
 

Just bought a 1991 Bullet with twin 454s .. I plan to remove them, install a heavy duty bracket and power it with twin mercury 250 hp (or triplet) .. Any thought on wether the twin will be enough to take it to 50 MPH (max) or not?

Trees a couple 31 decathlon running twin 250's out there. Id think you'd see over 50 with twins. I don't think adding a third would be worth the added fuel usage to speed ratio.

Sounds like an Interesting project. Post pics if you can. Would like to see how it comes along.

There was one on eBay with the back seat pushed back all the way to the back of the boat and Twins. Also on boat trader there is a Decathalon That's been 100% updated and has trips.

And if it does see 50, I believe the first time you mash the sticks and hit 52.3 mph your going to yawn, then ask yourself

"what the hell did I do??"

Why 250's? Have you got a pair lying around?
If you can go with bigger engines, a couple of 350 Verados or 300xs would seem a better option. Adding an extra engine doesn't increase speed proportionally to the expense and weight. Big twins will work almost as well as triples with much lower cost and a lot simpler installation.

I love outboards, great project, keep us updated. :)

RR

The 250s are alot cheaper than the 300s and 350s .. Especially Older models like 2005-2010 .. It comes in two stroke also as I dont like 4-stroke due to its price and complexity .. The bracket is designed for 3 engines however I'm thinking that two engines are enough for a 10,000 lb 31 ft

I love me a Cigarette Bullet....but taking out the V8 noise makers and bolting on a pair of quiet egg beaters seems to destroy the whole purpose of the boat! Just my OPINION...

agree ^^^^

If it needed OB's it would be a center council :picard1:

Here's one already done with 300 e-tecs........

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...llet-102587957

Looks pretty smart and very practical but it's a lot of asking price for an old boat.

I love outboards but thinking a bit more about it, kinda not really Cigarette to put them on a Bullet. Hope you've got broad shoulders because you will likely upset some of the the Cig gallery!

RR

Can I just ask why you want to put yourself through that?

I bought it with i/o that were hit by a car from behind .. The cost of repair was not less that 4000$ and few expensive shops do it .. The bracket cost plus installation is 5000$ .. Twin outboards are 6000$ plus I sold the two old 454s for 2000$ .. Also the parts and labor for outboards are much cheaper where I am here than for i/o

Lol. 96k that's funny.

if he gets that then mine will be for go for 120,000 lol


http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...cathlon-685197

First post, you're removing engines, next day they're sold.......


Darr alert.......

He has another thread going right now too, under a different name...bonus points if you find that one,,,,

I have a decathlon with twin 300 pro max's, I'm getting around 60. Good luck with your project.

The bullet with the twin 300s in the previous link runs 63 MPH max .. So i think the 50 MPH is doable with 250s on mine

You will love the outboards. 300 is a good choice 65 is obtainable and you will love the economy and maintenance is easier, half that of changing out drives, and everything else that rots out. You will also have some room to put a cooler on deck instead of climbing around and squeezing into every corner. The boat will also be lighter for towing. Don't get discouraged by people telling you not to do it you will save a bunch at the pump.

Casey, is that your decathelon in the trader for 100k?

No I have a bullet. Look for Bullet rebuild on here. I can give you lots of photos of what to look for when rebuilding one.

No thanks on the pictures I have enough of my own bullet conversion some of which you posted for me a couple of years ago when I started to convert mine to outboards. That is mine in the trader and no I don't expect to get the asking price. An old friend that happens to be a broker realy liked the way it turned out and asked if I wanted to sell it. I said no and he said would you take $100k I said to him if you have some one with that kind of money I will think on it. I think he is in another world but let him dream he has no idea what it should sell for. Next year I will think about a decathelon or a bigger open fish cigarette and adjust the price.

Will have to admit not a fan of the OBs on a bullet but you did do it right and made a huge cockpit. Also did a lot of work. Wish you would share some build pictures,

Latest update:

Sold the old merc 454 pair for 1800$ .. Bought a twin Mercury EFI 250s for 4200$ .. Waiting for the bracket work to be finished to install the Outboards ..

Show us some pictures of what and how you are doing it. I have plenty of mine and we all find it interesting. I am at [email protected] if you want any help. The important thing is transome support. You must think of it prior to installing your bracket.

Some pics on the re-power project,

The original set up
http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...s/IMG_6618.PNG

Removing I/O
http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...s/IMG_6619.PNG

Installing bracket
http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...s/IMG_6621.PNG

New engines (Left and right) and trim tabs
http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...s/IMG_6622.PNG
http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...s/IMG_6620.PNG

Most recent pic .. still waiting to install middle (30'') engine that is kinda hard to find in market. Remaining is steering bars and connections ect
http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...s/IMG_6625.PNG