What would be the expected cost to convert an i/o powerboat to outboards? I understand there are a lot of variables to consider. Is it worth it?

Yes there are.

Almost never.

What you can end up with is a science project that will have minimal resale value. And you are re-engineering a boat that was never designed with that propulsion in mind. Center of gravity....fuel systems....just to name a few.

But, if you like projects, have money to burn, and plan on keeping the experiment for the long run......nope....still not worth it IMHO.

What do you want to convert?

What power do you want?

Theres a member here selling a 28 OB saber and there’s also a cig decathlon with no power on Craigslist.

You need a motor bracket $5200 for twins.
You might need to fill transom holes $$$$
You need motors and rigging ????
And 3-10 days of professional labor at $100/hr on the low end. So $2400-$15000 on the high end. Outboard specialties is fast and reasonable.

Lots of people are doing conversions on varied boats and reports are all positive. Owners are very happy.

If you have the time, the money and the skills, it may be worthwhile. You’ll end up with a nice boat but it will owe you waaay more than you’ll ever get back on it.

If you have to pay a professional to do the work for you, the money lost would be astronomical.

Up to you……

RR

I don't have a specific boat picked out. I like the offerings from Active Thunder, but a 33 would cost close to $500k new. Been spit-balling the idea of purchasing an older model and converting it.

I know a lot of people won't understand the desire for outboards over I/O's. I like the idea of a larger cockpit and ease of maintenance.

I priced all of the power options at the MIBS.

For new, everything seems to be competitively priced on a $/hp except for Merc Racing, which is higher. So the 500R, 400R, and 300R aren’t as competitive price wise. That being said they do seem to perform above the non R power, so the value for them isn’t necessarily in the number on the cowl. For a performance app Merc is king just due to weight alone. I think I got a quote of $115k for 3 Merc 400s installed, not Rs.

If you’re pinching pennys, L6 verados are widely available used and very fast.

Don't do it. Boats engineered to be sterndrives really should stay that way.... CG/Step Placement, etc are a huge factor.. Hanging OBs off a bracket will drastically change the fore/aft CG, but what alot of people don't thing about is the vertical CG... Its a real factor.. Buy a nice boat like an Active thunder 37 or Cig 38... If needed just put some nice engines in it. You'll be way ahead with the $ that way.

I think the CG boogeyman is a non issue. If anything it gets lighter overall and the CG shifts back. On straight bottom boats this makes them faster.

I don’t hate the idea depending on the hull. I think TCO in salt water would be better for an outboard.

I did see that the platinum raptor 41 got twin Yamaha 350s and I really hated that. Such a big fast hull deserves some serious I/o power.

1990 Twin Outboard 28 Offshore

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/d...724702010.html

getting a bottom job off is a pricy pay job

I have known a few people that have done it, it takes a while to get the CG correct, sure if its further back on a old straight bottom it may make it faster in a straight line smooth water.

The bigger issue I see is what Tim G said the Vertical CG.

BTW I boat in salt and you still have to flush Outboards, and a lot of I/O's are closed cooled.