Posted by colin on October 23, 2003 at 00:36:03:
In Reply to: SKI TOW as an inboard? posted by Jon Q on October 22, 2003 at 22:05:53:
: Love straight inboard designs, but SKI KING is plans only. The Audeen and Miss Mist are more than I want.
: Wondering if it's practical to modify the SKI TOW into a 4cyl. powered straight inboard. Would shifting the engine weight from the transom to the center of the boat be too upsetting? And other than the addition of motor stringers, what other modifications are required? Thicker planking? Heavier framing? Any thoughts?
I am doing the same thing with a different boat. My info comes from "inboard motor installations" (available from this site, and might I add, an excellent reference). The addition of motor stringers seems to be the only frame/hull modification required. Balance seems to be the main issue. Have you considered a vee drive? That way the weight stays at the rear where the designer intended it to be. Otherwise, you can play around with the placement of other weights with variable results. ie fuel, battery, etc.
Good luck.