Wellcraft Nova undergoes a conversion from Sterndrive to Outboard.

I have had a win. My engine builder has discovered that the heads on my US V8 Johnson had been welded and when he CC'ed them that it would have been marginal running on pump gas. I then gave him the heads from my parts engine a 3.6 V8. These would have needed to be milled to increase capacity to allow this engine to live on pump gas.

Some time ago I had looked at a complete 1992 4.0 Evinrude XP300 with 20 inch Offshore mid (low hours and running engine). Included was a spare 25 inch mid, a full set of OMC gauges, hydraulic steering for both helm and engine, a spare set of 4.0 heads and new OEM gaskets all in mint condition, a large box of electrical spares, a mint hand control and loom and various other spares. At the time the guy wouldn't give me a price to purchase so it fell by the way side. When my mechanic said we needed either a new set of heads or he would spend one and a half days milling the 3.6 heads I decided to have another go at purchasing this other engine and spares.

Well this time success. It cost me $NZ3600, ($US2823) so I am quite happy with that.

Due to the unexpected cost of having to rebuild my US engine my intentions of using Livorsi gauges and engine controls have been shelved so now I will run with the old school OMC gauges and engine control. Also having scored the hydraulic steering there is a saving to be made there so all in all a big step forward I think. I am still waiting for completion of the painting. This includes engine mid, transom clamp with trim/tilt pump and the engine covers.

To the boat. I have been making and attaching mounting blocks for the various pumps, being trim tab pumps, jack plate pump and water pump. Next will be mounting for fuel filter and pump.

Next lot of photo's shouldn't be too far off.

rgsauger, hopefully my progress will keep you inspired/motivated and moving toward completion of your own project. Remember, do it once and do it right. It is not a race, the final result is what counts. As completion draws ever nearer and finally the end is in sight so the satisfaction of completion will dawn. :cheers:

SJ.

It sure sounds like it's moving right along. Looking forward to your pics.

Just a short update. I have had a big project on and really working some long hours but things have still been progressing. Last week my boy and I got the boarding platform glued on, a big step forward. My new Hot Foot foot throttle has arrived. My engine cowlings etc will be painted before the end of this month. Following my mechanics return from Australia he will finish the assembly of the V8 and I will be able to collect it. A mate of mine has a work shop in Tauranga so on completion of my boat work and painting I will take it to Tauranga for a complete rewire. Finally the mechanic will be able to start and tune the engine. Bring it on. :D

It sounds like things are moving in a positive direction. :cheers: I sure hope that you get a video of that beast running. That thing is going to sound MEAN!!! :eek: :D

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Originally Posted by hemi2005

It sounds like things are moving in a positive direction. :cheers: I sure hope that you get a video of that beast running. That thing is going to sound MEAN!!! :eek: :D

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You can count on it brother...........

How's it going? Anything new to share? :D

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Originally Posted by hemi2005

How's it going? Anything new to share? :D

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Still working ridiculous hours, job nearly finished, I expect to get it in the water this week. It ended up as a full repaint, build a stern door, strengthening in the bow to support bow sprit, fresh water flushing for both engines, etc etc etc, all on a 3288 Bayliner Motoryacht. The new owner is absolutely stocked with the transformation.

Then it will be back to the project. The engine builder is back and champing at the bit, he needs the workshop space back. The painter is still getting the mid, cover etc finished. I have just commissioned the building of two steel engine stands, one for each of the V8's. I have been so busy with the above boat that there has been no time for anything, let alone my own project. My wife is also stacking up the work to be done. I will get back into the project soon...........:rolleyes:

That's just the way it goes sometimes. Too much to do and not enough timel. Anything worth having is worth waiting for, right? :D Thanks for the update. I was wondering how it was going. Sounds like you'll be getting that engine back pretty soon, anyway. I can't wait to see that thing and hear it run. :cheers: :eek: :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by hemi2005

That's just the way it goes sometimes. Too much to do and not enough timel. Anything worth having is worth waiting for, right? :D Thanks for the update. I was wondering how it was going. Sounds like you'll be getting that engine back pretty soon, anyway. I can't wait to see that thing and hear it run. :cheers: :eek: :thumbsup:

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Thanks Marc, I am finding it all a bit frustrating, the completed engine sitting ready to go is going to put heaps of pressure on me to finish the hull...... and quickly. :eek:

This is traditionally my busy time of the year, through to Christmas. I have my Sportfisher sitting by waiting for full engine services, then haulout and new anti-foul bottom paint. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Smoking Joe

Thanks Marc, I am finding it all a bit frustrating, the completed engine sitting ready to go is going to put heaps of pressure on me to finish the hull...... and quickly. :eek:

This is traditionally my busy time of the year, through to Christmas. I have my Sportfisher sitting by waiting for full engine services, then haulout and new anti-foul bottom paint. :rolleyes:

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The funny part is, one day you'll be out on the boat enjoying yourself and you'll forget all about the setbacks and things that slowed you down. :cheers: You'll have 'er done in no time...Then I get to see some cool videos! :D

Neville, are you making any progress? I'm anxiously awaiting your pics and let's not forget the THUNDEROUS RUMBLE of that V8! :D

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Originally Posted by hemi2005

Neville, are you making any progress? I'm anxiously awaiting your pics and let's not forget the THUNDEROUS RUMBLE of that V8! :D

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Gidday Marc, progress has been slow, this is my busiest time of the year work wise up till Christmas. That said I have got the engine parts back from the painter and taken them up to the engine tech for final assembly. This should be in three weeks, his busy time also. This week looks like I am able to put some time into the Nova. The transom and boarding platform are all but ready to bog and prepare for paint. Still some work to be done inside, mounting pumps etc. I have set up the filtration and fuel pump system, it also just needs mounting. So progress has been slow but it is progress.

Attachment 265629Attachment 265626Attachment 265627Attachment 265628

Doesn't the 25 inch Offshore mid look awesome.

I am still waiting for the engine cowl parts to arrive, I am putting in the offshore 300GT vents etc into that cowl.

looken good buddy...........................lotsssssssssssssssssssss of workkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

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Originally Posted by Smoking Joe

Gidday Marc, progress has been slow, this is my busiest time of the year work wise up till Christmas. That said I have got the engine parts back from the painter and taken them up to the engine tech for final assembly. This should be in three weeks, his busy time also. This week looks like I am able to put some time into the Nova. The transom and boarding platform are all but ready to bog and prepare for paint. Still some work to be done inside, mounting pumps etc. I have set up the filtration and fuel pump system, it also just needs mounting. So progress has been slow but it is progress.

Attachment 265629Attachment 265626Attachment 265627Attachment 265628

Doesn't the 25 inch Offshore mid look awesome.

I am still waiting for the engine cowl parts to arrive, I am putting in the offshore 300GT vents etc into that cowl.

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That thing is looking BEAUTIFUL!!! :cheers: Great pics! I sure hope that you get some video of it running later when it's done! :thumbsup: I know that you said it was your busy time, but I just had to find out what the status was. :D Thanks for the update!

That 25inch offshore mid is very rare.

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Originally Posted by mrpenguin

That 25inch offshore mid is very rare.

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You are so right. It was so rare I couldn't find one. I showed a picture of STV Keith's ones to my engine tech. He built this for me using my 20 inch offshore mid and grafting it onto my 25 inch mid. I sure hope he is as good at building OMC V8's as he is at doing all the other stuff.:D
He's a real talented guy.

Check out the V8 OEM decals in the for sale forum, they are perfect for your engine color.

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Originally Posted by OMCD

Check out the V8 OEM decals in the for sale forum, they are perfect for your engine color.

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Thanks for the thought. On Thursday I collected new decals for my engine cowl from the shop. As is often said "it is all about timing"........:cheers:

Smoking Joe, I just read the entire thread. Awesome build! I had the idea eight months ago for an outrigger stringer bracket but was unsure how to go about it. I knew it would provide more support than a conventional bracket. I have an 83 Wellcraft V20. Its getting rebuilt now. New stringers, new everything. So its a prime candidate for an outrigger bracket. I have a 2.5L Merc going on it. But in the future its getting twins. Based on the power to weight ratio it might just get twin 2.5L Mercs. I am excited to get started on mine and yours is awesome. Did you just glass the longitudinal bracket supports to the stringers or are they bolted too?

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Originally Posted by Jcooperpcola

Smoking Joe, I just read the entire thread. Awesome build! I had the idea eight months ago for an outrigger stringer bracket but was unsure how to go about it. I knew it would provide more support than a conventional bracket. I have an 83 Wellcraft V20. Its getting rebuilt now. New stringers, new everything. So its a prime candidate for an outrigger bracket. I have a 2.5L Merc going on it. But in the future its getting twins. Based on the power to weight ratio it might just get twin 2.5L Mercs. I am excited to get started on mine and yours is awesome. Did you just glass the longitudinal bracket supports to the stringers or are they bolted too?

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Thankyou for your kind words and support. In this build everything has been glassed, no through bolting what so ever. The beauty of this design is that everything is supported and load shared to the rear of the hull. Because I have not got a lot of weight hanging off the transom my transom build is considerably lighter (weight saving) than would normally be the case. In my boat the original engine bearers were rotten as was most of the transom. You will note that I have used epoxy resins, I am not a fan of using Polyester resins with timber. I had considered using foam for my cores but finally opted for ply (cost). I have it on good authority that the Wellcraft's are prone to rot in bulkheads and stringers so check carefully.

Good luck with your build, 20ft and twin V6's, she will be fun.......:D

SJ

I am planning on epoxy resin from US Composites, unless someone on here has a comparable price, for the bracket. The rest of my stringers will be polyester due to cost. I am building this boat solely on tips and wages from delivering pizza. I work two jobs and the other barely pays the bills. Its hard to tell but will your bracket be wide enough for twin motors or will you have to modify it? I have two Wellcrafts here at the house. Both have severe stringer and bulkhead rot. I thought my V20 would have almost no rot based on what I could see before pulling the cap. And I agree on the benefits of the outrigger bracket. Superior strength with less weight. The only real challenge i foresee is mounting the motor mount to the longitudinal supports aka outriggers. Looks like you figured it out. If I wanted it flush all the way across and not see the outrigger ends I think I can use heavy aluminum angle on the inside that is bolted the glassed over. Cant wait to see more pics!

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Originally Posted by Jcooperpcola

I am planning on epoxy resin from US Composites, unless someone on here has a comparable price, for the bracket. The rest of my stringers will be polyester due to cost. I am building this boat solely on tips and wages from delivering pizza. I work two jobs and the other barely pays the bills. Its hard to tell but will your bracket be wide enough for twin motors or will you have to modify it? I have two Wellcrafts here at the house. Both have severe stringer and bulkhead rot. I thought my V20 would have almost no rot based on what I could see before pulling the cap. And I agree on the benefits of the outrigger bracket. Superior strength with less weight. The only real challenge i foresee is mounting the motor mount to the longitudinal supports aka outriggers. Looks like you figured it out. If I wanted it flush all the way across and not see the outrigger ends I think I can use heavy aluminum angle on the inside that is bolted the glassed over. Cant wait to see more pics!

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If you are building your pod similarly to mine you should not need to use aluminum. Just an extra and unneccesary cost. The reason I have not built the hydraulic jack plate flush with the rear of the pod was to stop the spray normally associated with using a jack plate.

My pod is designed for one engine only, that said my longitudinals are heavy enough that if I were to modify for twins this design would mean that I would only need to make external changes.

If you look at the engine/jackplate mounting photo's you will see how thick I have made this. That is to give a good glue footprint which is then glassed internally (within the pod and on top of a good glue cove) and externally which is the recess for the jackplate. If you wish to have a flush finish to your pod (engine mounting plate) then you would make some of the thicknesses of ply to fit within the pod and some to fit across the rear of the longitudinals (aka outriggers). The following external wraps of glass tape will give any amount of strength without having to then add aluminum bracing. I hope all this makes sense for you. If not don't hesitate to ask. Do it once and do it right! :smiletest:

Ok, that makes sense. I was also thinking of staggering my layers of ply for the outriggers so the mounting pad has two sides bonded. Basically the outriggers and mounting pad are doorstepped together. Another question. For the nonstructural, flotation parts of the bracket do you think divinycell would make a big difference? Its 50% the weight of ply. Costs more though. My bracket is going to be 45" wide 30" setback, and about 20" tall. About half of that is submerged. My stringers are 34" apart.

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Originally Posted by Jcooperpcola

Ok, that makes sense. I was also thinking of staggering my layers of ply for the outriggers so the mounting pad has two sides bonded. Basically the outriggers and mounting pad are doorstepped together. Another question. For the nonstructural, flotation parts of the bracket do you think divinycell would make a big difference? Its 50% the weight of ply. Costs more though. My bracket is going to be 45" wide 30" setback, and about 20" tall. About half of that is submerged. My stringers are 34" apart.

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I would be concerned with the amount of setback you are going with. My V8 at plus 500lbs worked out at a total of 20 inches of setback (includes the jack plate). I would think that twins would need to be mounted directly to your transom.

Well we have progress. On Saturday I collected the V8 from the engine tech. Total spent so far on the engine including original purchase is $NZ14K. Still to come is fit gearbox to the mid, start up and tune. Engine has had a total rewire, anything that was not quite right has been redone. The gearbox was leaking oil. On examination it would appear that the gearbox has seen very little use, inside was mint. He fitted new seals and water pump.

The transom has been completely bogged/faired and almost completed the sanding. I am a fussy bugger and on this "small" boat it is a bit more fiddly than what I am used to.:eek:

I have decided that the top side of the boarding platform will have a teak veneer surface.
I hope to complete the sanding this week. It is great to see some progress.:cheers:

It sounds as if it's comming along, thats great! Always happy to hear about your progress. :cheers:

Ok so since I have to stay home this Christmas I am having a big push to finish the Nova to painting stage. Painting is scheduled for February. We will do a final trial rig also so will take photo's. ;)

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Originally Posted by Smoking Joe

Ok so since I have to stay home this Christmas I am having a big push to finish the Nova to painting stage. Painting is scheduled for February. We will do a final trial rig also so will take photo's. ;)

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I was wondering how things were going. Belated Merry Christmas to you. :D Did you find the rest of your parts for final assembly?

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Originally Posted by hemi2005

I was wondering how things were going. Belated Merry Christmas to you. :D Did you find the rest of your parts for final assembly?

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And all the very best to you and yours Marc. There has been very little progress for the last three months (work commitments). I now have a three week window so will push on. Parts wise other than things like hydraulic steering tube and cabling etc I pretty much have it all. I had a real win, scored a set of K Planes here in NZ, got the planes, brackets and pumps for $NZ500.
Currently I am working on rear seat and tubes to allow camper covers to be stored aft of rear seat.

I am enjoying making progress, it is tough seeing that engine all good to go and no completed boat.:rolleyes:

You damn jackass! Leave grandma and her damn oakley sunglasses the hell out of this thread! Bah humbug you jackass. Go piss up a rope you wanker!

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Originally Posted by rgsauger

You damn jackass! Leave grandma and her damn oakley sunglasses the hell out of this thread! Bah humbug you jackass. Go piss up a rope you wanker!

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You sure have a way with words, couldn't have put it better myself. :iagree::cheers:

Whew! I thought that this thread was going off the rails for a minute there. :D

Anything new going on with your project?

Gidday mate. Not too much been happening on the boat for some time BUT it does now have a nice new shed. 33ft long by 18ft wide, it is a real boat shed. So this week work has switched back to the boat. I am hoping to pull the boat out of the shed to give it a good wash and vacuum so I will take some photo's so you guys can see how it is coming. :cheers:

Very cool! :thumbsup: At least you have a good place to keep it out of the elements. I'm looking forward to any pics that you might have. :D

The good thing about projects is you can put them to the side and then come back when it suits you. Hang in there Smoking Joe.

Thanks for the encouragment guys. Building the boat shed in my spare time dragged things out a bit. I certainly find working on the boat therapeutic and am pleased to be back on task.....:cheers:

Sounds good and we're always interested in your progress. :cheers:

Joe its been awhile looking good and when is your first sea trial?

Guys, I must apologise for the lack of work going into this project in more recent times. A while ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer so my world has been turned upside down. This has not dampened my enthusiasm for this project but my time has had to be reprioritised. I will progress it as time allows.

SJ.