Converting to trip outboards

[Corysprouts84]

Ive got an old copeland race cat im bringing back to life. Originally had 700s and #6s im by no means rich so triple outboards is what im looking at. Im looking at the 4 strokes and found a triple set of yamaha 350 v8s. Im between that and verado 300s. I know verados are lighter but love the sound of the yamaha v8s. My question is weight wise i know the transom can handle it but the 3 outboards are a few hundred pounds more then original big blocks/outdrive set up that used to be on it. Does anyone think i need to add an enclosed bracket for buoyancy?

[gotboostedvr6]

Flipped

[Corysprouts84]

Thanks i couldnt figure it out

[RSWORDS]

I would steer well away from 350 Yamaha's.
Do A bit of research. Aside from the extra weight the flywheel, tensioner, exhaust manifolds, and gearcase issues would be enough to turn me off.

[Corysprouts84]

RSWORDS i did some googling and most of the issues stem from high hours/constant high rpms. I boat on about 10 miles of river so the chances of them being wide open for longer than a few mins doesnt seem feasible. So your reccommend is verados. I can't afford the 300xs mercs or they would be my first choice.

[RSWORDS]

Flywheels issue is at cruise. Exhaust manifold leak is just whenever, belt tensioner locking up and throwing valves into the pistons is whenever.

Between the 2 yes I would say verados. The 300 Yamaha's are nice motors too.

[Corysprouts84]

Do you think i will need an enclosed bracket for buoyancy? And set back. 24" or 36"

[gotboostedvr6]

I would find another boat

[gotboostedvr6]

You're looking at $40,000 to do this properly

[Corysprouts84]

Gotboostedvr6 what do you mean.

[Duro78]

You're looking at $40,000 to do this properly

Thats probably being conservative. 3 300xs's at 12k per then a bracket. Thats without steering imco add another $5k plus miscellaneous trim pumps, hoses etc etc. Like any other boat project will end up costing more than initially planned

[gotboostedvr6]

Yup.
Replacing the balsa core and stringers will add another 20k

[Dave S]

Got Booost is Right.......Get a nudda boat. That one is history and should be kept as in board. Buy the #4 lowers in parts section and go BBC . JMO and every one has one........Find other people that have done such work and learn from them.

[Turborr]

We have been trying to tell him that....But I understand his intentions. In boating, you do not try to invent the wheel. It will cost you. The minimum you need for that boat is triple 250xs. And even with the triple 250's you will not be happy. Might not get out of the hop zone. Triple 300xs or triple 300x, or even triple 300 promax are the ticket for that boat, but it is not cheap. With the 250's or promax's you are going to be in 30k minimum with steering. Triple verados are too heavy, and the yamaha 350's are even worse. Remember on a cat, you dont want an unbalanced boat. Plus a bracket is a no no on a cat also

Triple 250 efi's are an option....Just make sure you have a huge gas tank and wallet. Performance from those engines will be marginal at best, but for the cheapest outboard, that is an option. Only thing, is that you will need sportmaster lowers which you rarely find on those motors.

Your cheapest way out is to find a pair of mild Big blocks and the #4 lowers mentioned before. Other than that for that boat to run right with triples plan to spend at least 40k.

I know this isnt what you want to hear but take it from me who has experience with all of the engines mentioned before and others that have more experience than I do.

Got Booost is Right.......Get a nudda boat. That one is history and should be kept as in board. Buy the #4 lowers in parts section and go BBC . JMO and every one has one........Find other people that have done such work and learn from them.

[Corysprouts84]

Turborr i appreciate it. Im pretty new. Always had v hulls. Im working on a set of arneson asd 8s with 525sc motors. With the boat being a 1 off copeland cat nothing really to compare it too so my apologies about all the questions