After buying the Mrs a 36' Mainship aft cabin so she had a door to the toilet and a place to plug in her curling iron......., I got to missing our old twin O/B 24' Sonic that many of you know from my "5 days and 4 nights on a 24' cuddy in the keys" story.
5 days/4 nights on a 24' cuddy in the Keys ;)

She also got sick of my whining and watching me lust after every go fast boat I saw on Lake Erie by our cruiser
I started half ass shopping a yr ago and was looking at everything (O/B or I/O) up to 30'-ish.

During my shopping I was reminded of what drew me to the O/B vees from the start. Most are huge compared to a similar sized I/O.
So to get a twin I/O vee that was any bigger than my old Sonic, I was looking at 32/33' boats which my ole faithful, paid for, 220,000 mile 1/2 ton pickup would not enjoy towing.
Adding a new tow pigg to the equation did not compute.

That took me back to the smaller O/B's.

Had enough of the 24' Sonics and one other design I always wanted was a mid/late '80's 25' Checkmate Convincor.
They offerd them in twin O/B back in the day but in doing so, they added a splashwell for the motors which eliminated the sun lounge which I want.
The sun lounge for hanging at/on the boat and for its copious storage under it once the car motor is gone.
So my plan has always been to buy an I/O boat and convert it to O/B.

So step one of the plan is under way.
Bought a '86 25' Convincor w/a popped stroker 454 and Bravo.

I will either order or build a swim platform/bracket or have one built and screw to the transom and hang two motors on it.

We recently moved and lost my shop in doing so and am a month out on the new one being built so collecting parts for now.

Haven't bought motors yet but am close. Probably starting w/old school, low budget carbed, OMC V-6's in the 225 - 250 hp range.
Should put the boat in the 80 MPH range on pump gas w/bullet proof motors and be a screaming orgasm to drive.
Once its dialed Ill probably go shopping for a pair of used 300 E-Tecs which Im a huge fan of.

Ill post updates for those interested once they start happening.

Feels good to be back.

Think Spring!

Gary

I really like the colors on that boat. Let the build thread begin

The colors and the aluminum trailer sold me.

Headed to Fla in a few wks w/an empty utility trailer and some $$, to go parts/power huntin.

Most fun I ever had boating was anchoring off the beach, steaks on the grill, bon fire, shooting stars then a night on the hook.

Night #2 to dock and unload the folding bikes and head out.

Killer winery on far side of Pelee and nice one on Kelley's too.

And of course Scudder Beach Bar on Pelee.

Nice platform to start with, although I cant wrap my head around pulling the big block

Look forward to watching the progress!

Thought about it until crawling in to winterize it.

Crawled out and said Fk that 😎

Should look something like this.

Great idea. I'd do the same to my 27ZR except if OSO found out, I'd probably be assassinated.
Nice laid back writing style too, thanks for taking the time.

RR

Great to have you back man!!!! Looks great. Time for a trailer up to Georgian Bay!

Love this a man with a plan, can't wait to see how this unfolds, always loved your adventures.

You should have told her there`s a door to a toilet and an outlet for your curling iron at the marina bathroom, NEXT!