Posted by JimM on October 28, 2003 at 07:00:15:
In Reply to: converting a 3 point hydro to Inboard motor posted by steve roffey on October 27, 2003 at 22:11:40:
I think the balance WOULD be altered, unless you sit on the old transom! Also, I'm concerned whether there'll be room for you to sit over the prop shaft.
Seriously, try an experiment. Borrow two bathroom scales (yes, I AM being serious!). Place them in your driveway maybe 8 feet apart. For each one, place a block about six feet to one side, as thick as the scale is high. Put boards across each scale/block pair, for the boat to rest on, so you'll have a scale and a block under the bow, and another under the stern. I'd put some thick foam between the boat & boards to protect the fragile hull.
Mount the engine & gas can, and climb in carefully. Have someone read the scales and write down the fore & aft weights.
Get out, remove the OB and place a similar weight where the engine would go (or the engine if you have it). Don't forget a reduction gear or belt drive on the engine! Add some weight appropriately to estimate the weight & position of the prop shaft, log and rudder. Now get in and sit where you think you'll be able to sit, and get new weight readings.
A comparison of the readings should tell you if the weight distribution will be badly affeted by the conversion. It's rough, but may suffice to tell you whether to pursue the project or not.
My opinion: It's too much trouble, and much easier to just upgrade to a bigger OB engine!