Outboard Maltese?
10-17-2018 | 07:40 PM
#1
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Outboard Maltese?
Has anyone ever re-powered a Maltese with outboards or replaced the twins with a big single? All opinions and suggestions are welcome! I will try to post pics, this hull is all origional I think.
10-29-2018 | 02:04 PM
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From: Toms River NJ
I know of at least 4 Magnum Sport conversions from twin IO's to a single big block. When most Magnum Sports, Starfires, and Maltese were built (1970's), the standard power was stock 350 CID Merc 280 Horse engines. Back in the day, a single big block producing 500 horse was considered a race engine. Today, you can get a reliable engine over 600 horsepower and a drive to handle it. The Magnums sit better in the water with a single having 1300 pounds less in the azz end. Slow speed (docking) maneuvering is the only real negative of a conversion.
10-29-2018 | 06:36 PM
#3
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From: Thailand
This is just a very old ad for a Sport that's been converted to outboards. I'm not connected to the ad or owner in any way but I think the conversion looks pretty good.
https://www.powerboatlistings.com/photographs/9874
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https://www.powerboatlistings.com/photographs/9874
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10-29-2018 | 08:43 PM
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Repower
Thanks for the input everyone! I've been told that adding the bracket fools it into thinking it's a longer hull and thus rides smoother? It has the TRS II drives, what kind of power can they handle, can they be beefed up or ditch 'em. We are on a lazy southern river so there is no wave crusher intent. This is a yacht tender!
10-30-2018 | 01:12 AM
#5
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From: NewBaltimore Mi
The Trs II drive is not a performance drive as they could swing a larger Dia prop & have a longer lower foot like a single engine would use. The performance Trs swing 15" dia props & are shorter, they are good for around 500hp engines.
10-31-2018 | 06:14 PM
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From: Milton, Fla!
I see very few negatives to the O/B conversion.
I saw the one in the old listing posted and it was sharp.
Ive owned two twin o/b 24 Sonics (most fun boats I ever owned) and am currently converting a single I/o 25 Checkmate to twin o/bs.
If ur on a budget, solid, used Evinrude e-tecs and Merc Optimaxs are now becoming affordable.
If you have the budget, in the 25 - 35 range, I see little competition to a pair of new o/bs.
As to the handling differences, they are way different.
The C. Of G. on a twin o/b boat is way aft of a single I/o boat. This gets the bow in the air and makes them fast but also makes them a drivers boat.
New 4 Stroke o/bs, rigged (depending on breed) would probably be 200 lbs lighter than small block I/os.
I weekend on my boat so I love the storage you get by loosing the car motors.
Done right, would be a cool project.
Do it.
I saw the one in the old listing posted and it was sharp.
Ive owned two twin o/b 24 Sonics (most fun boats I ever owned) and am currently converting a single I/o 25 Checkmate to twin o/bs.
If ur on a budget, solid, used Evinrude e-tecs and Merc Optimaxs are now becoming affordable.
If you have the budget, in the 25 - 35 range, I see little competition to a pair of new o/bs.
As to the handling differences, they are way different.
The C. Of G. on a twin o/b boat is way aft of a single I/o boat. This gets the bow in the air and makes them fast but also makes them a drivers boat.
New 4 Stroke o/bs, rigged (depending on breed) would probably be 200 lbs lighter than small block I/os.
I weekend on my boat so I love the storage you get by loosing the car motors.
Done right, would be a cool project.
Do it.
10-31-2018 | 08:16 PM
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From: Milton, Fla!
The weight shift aint all good.
It will come off waves motors first way more than an I/o boat.
Bow will also raise more off waves.
Everything will pivot off the motors.
They are more rewarding to driver input though.
In the now empty bilge...., I carry a $40 Walmart dinghy, 2 folding bicycles, 2 beach chairs, grill, etc, etc.
I am spoiled.
It will come off waves motors first way more than an I/o boat.
Bow will also raise more off waves.
Everything will pivot off the motors.
They are more rewarding to driver input though.
In the now empty bilge...., I carry a $40 Walmart dinghy, 2 folding bicycles, 2 beach chairs, grill, etc, etc.
I am spoiled.
