Question, when you did all that work why didn't you move the rear seat bulkhead back to take advanatge of the extra room?

1 is i run across the bays and gulf on fun runs and poker runs and dont want more than 4-5 in the boat when cruising across the slop
as like the poker run set up seats
and 2 is for storage,,,,since pic it has boxing and brackets for large ice chest,,,,bouy holders,anchor boxes,ect so hatch gets filled up with
stuff including chairs,unbrellas,ect
so dont toss stuff all in the birth,,,,to be in the way,and fly around in the snot at 70-100+
just my preferance keeping the speedboat cockpit vrsing a pleasure/cruiser look

I converted my single IO 25’ Checkmate to twin OBs.

But I had the shop and abilities to do it all myself so no clue what it would have cost.

The shops in Fla have been doing it for decades.

I've done it twice, 2 strokes, and 4 strokes, absolutely worth it. Many pluses. I do though like Gary last post...do everything myself except paint. Cg issues non existent when you figure it out and rig accordingly.

My guess to do it correctly with all the hardware needed, it would costly $100k. So if you buy a decent performance boat for $100k sell the engine, drives and miscellaneous parts not needed you would recoup $20k. In the end someone would have $180k into a "new" boat. I get the CG will have to be calculated and setup properly.

Purchasing a newly built boat in the 30' to 35' range is $250k to $500k or more depending on brand. Financially, it makes sense if someone is willing put in the effort.

I think it really comes down to how much you can do yourself.

I have thought of doing this on my 32. But the math is not there since a lot of the work I would have to farm out.

To get the same performance I have now I would need 2 450R's, they can be had used now but with controls that alone is 60K 70K? USED.

Then a bracket, transom filled in and knees added. I think my buddy got his bracket built for 3K with material. Fiberglass work, IDK what do you think 5K?

Plus install, may be able to do the install,,, maybe. Time is money no matter what.

As for the CG, sure add weight up front but still there is no way to get the roll center right now that the OB's would be way back (2 foot swim) and the motors high. Lighter but still high. Should go great in straight smooth, boat would be lighter.

Getting off the back at the sand bar would be a bit of a pain but with two there should be room for a side latter.

Then test test test! LOL

Even though I like the look of the new Mercury V-8 OB's it still doesn't look as well.

That or rebuild the BBC's into 540 NA, add closed cooling. Pretty easy to get very reliable 600HP and 700TQ. That would cost less than the price of the 450's.

That all said since the price of new is so high on everything it does mean projects like this are not bad if you can do the work and you plan on keeping them, because of age they become a cash buy only and that makes a hard sell.

I wouldn’t start with a $100k boat. And you can probably sell the engines and drives for a bit more than $20k.

The best power option for price is used Mercury 400 L6. You should be able to get trips for 40-50. Depending on the boat and goals, 2 of those could push the boat as well.

If you have a sound hull that you love and can't afford a more expensive newer boat, it's worth it. Built is better than bought, rewarding and not to mention different. Like any major decision in life. Pros and cons and weighing of cost and time.

Reality is, it’s not that hard to do.

Think…, “repower”, after closing holes in transom.

Yes on the transom knees but they’re easy peasy.

Glassing in is the correct way but I’ve seen mechanical (bolt in) done very well as well.

As to power???
You decide.

Probably start w/your budget???

I have a buddy in Fla who is a huge fan of the I-6 Verados.

He buys them cheap and I think is getting 430 hp w/a reflash.

He swears they’re bullet proof.

Rerigging his 32’ Skater w/thrm now.

Is fun to read what you prejudice IO guys post to poo poo the OB idea 😂

Amen Gary