Repowering a 1985 Seafarer 227

[canz]

I was wondering if I could some opions about repowering my Seafarer. The boat is a 1985 model year but I love the ride and the hull is still real solid. The block cracked and now there is water mixed with oil. I have an OMC800 outdrive and was thinking of pulling it out and converting it to an outboard. I am still on the fence, I know the transom will need to fixed and I will have to mount a bracket to put the outboard on. I would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks,

 

[gradyfish22]

You may need transom work regardless of sticking with an outdrive or going to an outboard. If you go to an outboard, putting a bracket on would be your best bet. That boat was not ment for the weight of a four stroke, even with a floatation bracket it is not ment for it, it will sit too low and your cockpit will not drain well. You will need to find a new 2 stroke, used 2 stroke, or go to smaller power like an F150, but your speed and power will not be great and would not be my top choice. I have a 1989 that we repowered in 2000 with a Yamaha 200hp HPDI, great engine for that hull. If you could find a leftover or low hour 200 HPDI that would be a good engine. If you were hoping to go to a 200+hp fourstroke, I would highly advise against it, as will Grady White and you may need to stick to an outdrive.

 

[canz]

Gradyfish thank you for your reply. I was leaning towards a four stroke but your info was new to me. I know I still need to rework the transom if I go to a different i/o. At this point and with the new info you added I might save time and money by going to a new i/o. I will look into the Yamaha 200 you mentioned. Thanks again.

 

[beagleboy]

I have a 1987 228g grady I repowered last summer. Found a new Yamaha 2003 200hp OX66 stored at a boat dealers shop. Paid 8k delivered to Houston. Engine came with 2yr factory warranty. Took 6 mo of looking but there is some good stuff out there.

 

[canz]

Thanks beagleboy, I think I will keep looking while I get the transom ready. Maybe I can find as good a deal as you did.