fitting an outboard to a 30 ft narrowboat

[kalika]

i bought a 30 ft narrow boat with a mariner forty outboard engine turns out the guy fitted the engine on one side of the back of the boat rather than he middle and fitted a rudder im new to boating and he was too anyway i was told i need to get the engine adjusted or a new engine ,my question is can find someone to modify the engine to have a long arm control to steer it and the other controls gears etc moved up so i dont have to bend down to change gear as i need to see where im going the boat is 22 miles north of cambridge i took it on my first cruise and decided it was unsafe does anyone know anyone in that area that can do the work or have any advice thanks

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130507700904&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_959

 

 

here is a link to the boat you can see the back of it from the pics and where a space for the engine is on one side and it has a rudder that was useless when going slow ,SCROLL DOWN ON THE LINK ,THE THIRD PICTURE IS WHERE THE ENGINE WAS

Edited April 25, 2011 by kalika

[blodger]

The pictures do not help much in showing whether or not it has been powere by an inboard engine in the past. You need to look under the counter, stern deck,; Is there a sterntune that has been blocked off or, even a shaft left in?

 

The fact that there is a proper rudder seems to indicate that the outboard was an auxilliary measure.

 

There are lots of cheap used engines come up on Ebay regularly to solve waht appears to be your problem but it may well be a steep learing curve in its resolution.

 

The shell looks good if it was cheap enough.

 

Regards and further advise

 

Looking at the prose and pics again it does not look a very conventional nb stern and more of a transom type for an outboard. Perhaps the advice you have already had to remove the rudder and fit the ob centrally is correct.

 

As a nb er I am not familiar with the necessities regarding setting up steering, probably by wheel reather than a 'stick' and extending throttle controls to the steering position buy I am sure it is not insurmountable and someone will be along with that knowledge

Edited April 25, 2011 by blodger

[kalika]

yes the link is not the best you have to scroll down the page the third pic you can see where the engine was sitting ,thanks for the reply ,i was driving the boat and it was dragging to one side but at speed i was able to keep it straight but when going slow it was a nightmare,the boat has been welded up inside so i was told it would be difficult to fit an inboard engine.it was a hassle to bend down to change gear so i would need to extend to controls to somewhere more accessible.

a learning curve it is that

[Guest]

I have seen outboards on small narrowboats. The engine gearchange/thottle is normally controlled by a remote control unit, similar to that of an inboard engine.

 

Most outboard powered NB's seem to have an outboard bracket bolted centrally to the stern of the boat. This would enable the removal of the rudder. Most canal boats have a rudder fitted directly to the outboard for low speed maneuverability.

 

I suspect a 40hp outboard will get through some fuel. Does it need to be so large?

[luctor et emergo]

A 30' narrow boat with a 40 hp outboard...

 

We may tempt Phylis to the Dark Side yet.

[Paringa]

You have Two options i believe with your steering...carry on with the engine providing power and the tiller/rudder giving you steering but i think this will be unsatisfactory.

 

Or what i think will be better is forgetting the rudder/tiller for steering and getting the engine to provide propulsion and steering...

 

You need to get the engine central to begin with.

 

Either get a Mariner (or i think Mercury are compatible) remote control set that will look after your gear change and throttle. This will be the best solution otherwise you are going down the broom handle tied to the gear change route which prob won't work and you still have the throttle to sort...

 

Steering you might be able to get the tiller to attach to the outboard, there is a plate for connection of steering cables on the front so you will need to modify this. Otherwise this is usually done with cables to a wheel.

 

So a lot of work making things as a work around to get this sorted...

 

But really the engine is a monster it will never come off tick-over unless you want to go water-skiing! Consider selling it on and using the money to fund a 10 - 15hp Outboard with a set of remote controls...

Edited April 26, 2011 by Paringa

[kalika]

thanks agian for the advice i have found a 20hp chrysler engine with remote control

here is the link http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/outboard-engines/20hp-chrysler-long-shaft-elec-start-remote-control-BHM827

 

 

is this engine suitable for my boat ,i was on the phone to a few people this morning and was told to get a smaller engine 15hp and cenre it also fit an adder udder to the outboard in front of the propeller the adder rudder is an a4 size piece of metal for extra control and fit a long tiller to the outboard although i wouldnt mind a wheel.the new 15hp engines with remote control are 2600 which i dont have so perhaps this chrysler which is 20hp would do the job any advice opinions are welcome thanks again for the replies http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/outboard-engines/10hp-honda-long-shaft-remote-control-4-stroke-BHM826

 

i have also found this 10hp link above is this too small

Edited April 26, 2011 by kalika

[deletedaccount]

Did you also buy the little 20ft boat he (the same ebayer) had for 1k?

 

I had my eye on it but it was too far away.

Edited April 26, 2011 by deletedaccount

[kalika]

no i didnt but i seen it it was a nice little boat

[deletedaccount]

Hmmm. Shame it'll cost me 1k to get it moved down here.

 

Are you going anywhere near reading or the K&A? I could pay you to tow it

[kalika]

The guy said he had sold it also im really new to boating and at this rate im going nowhere fast without an engine and i wouldnt feel confident towing another boat sorry,i have also seen this engine

 

http://www.billhigham.co.uk/submit_form.php?m_id=1329&m_special=no&m_cat=outboard%20warehouse&m_type=used%20outboard

 

what does anyone think heres the link any info or opinions welcome i just got of the phone with yamaha direct and the guy told me i was crazy to look at chrysler as the parts are hard to find and said that i needed an engine with a dual thrust prop as i wouldnt be able reverse very mush without it 3000 pounds new from yamaha with remote controls too much for me

Edited April 26, 2011 by kalika

[kalika]

another one

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/outboard-engines/yamaha-4stroke-15hp-outboard-ASH266

 

for an extra 300 pound they can fit the remote contol which is a single lever control

any thoughts

 

 

i just phoned ash marine where this engine is from and they said that you can not have a tiller on this engine once the remote controls have been fitted as the tiller is taken off and in its place parts of the remote control system i asked if i was able to weld on my own tiller but he thinks not ,its been a hard day trawling the internet and seem to get different answers the more i look i thought this engine was looking good but now im put of again

Edited April 26, 2011 by kalika

[WotEver]

another one

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/outboard-engines/yamaha-4stroke-15hp-outboard-ASH266

 

for an extra 300 pound they can fit the remote contol which is a single lever control

any thoughts

That looks to be a good buy.

 

Tony

[Paringa]

It's the long shaft version and with your transom - the flat bit at the back where the engine will sit - the prop could well sit too deep and you might end up getting it fouled...

 

I think you are on the right track looking for another outboard, keep trawling the internet and you will find something little used. Don't buy anything new you will just waste your money...A good jap outboard - Honda is my fave - secondhand will do you well.

 

You need to have a look at a few engines to see how they are operated and so you know if you can modify them to suit your needs. If you get a yard to do that then it will cost...welcome to boats.

Edited April 26, 2011 by Paringa

[kalika]

It's the long shaft version and with your transom - the flat bit at the back where the engine will sit - the prop could well sit too deep and you might end up getting it fouled...

 

I think you are on the right track looking for another outboard, keep trawling the internet and you will find something little used. Don't buy anything new you will just waste your money...A good jap outboard - Honda is my fave - secondhand will do you well.

 

You need to have a look at a few engines to see how they are operated and so you know if you can modify them to suit your needs. If you get a yard to do that then it will cost...welcome to boats.

 

in the ebay link above in photo number five you can see the mariner forty i have its a bad photo as its on its side with the top off but can you see if that is a long or short shaft engine

[Paringa]

I think it is the short shaft from the look but the only sure way of telling is with a tape measure...

 

This will explain all...

 

http://www.smalloutboards.com/shaft.htm

[Robin2]

You should be looking for an outboard that is intended for powering sailing boats rather than speed boats. I believe they are lower geared and have larger propellers suited to the lower speeds. I think the long shaft versions of the Yamaha and Honda 9hp and 15hp engines are intended for this use but you would need to check.

[Guest]

You should be looking for an outboard that is intended for powering sailing boats rather than speed boats. I believe they are lower geared and have larger propellers suited to the lower speeds. I think the long shaft versions of the Yamaha and Honda 9hp and 15hp engines are intended for this use but you would need to check.

I tend to agree. The large propped low geared approach explains why the tiny Seagull outboards can push yachts and more.

[kalika]

thanks for the replies ,perhaps this is suitable ,opinions please

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170631645314&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_959

[Paringa]

More use to you than the 40 you have now...

 

Just measure your transom height and decide on short or long shaft, the info on that previous link will tell you all you need to know...

[kalika]

thanks so much i am going to the boat in the next few days so will measure then

[Robin2]

thanks for the replies ,perhaps this is suitable ,opinions please

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170631645314&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_959

 

You need to do some research on the engine manufacturers' websites to identify the exact models of engine that are suitable for you. Then you need to be absolutely sure that the s/h engine on sale is the model you would like it to be.

 

Once you know that then you can decide whether you can afford the "correct" engine or whether finances will force you to live with a cheaper but less suitable engine.

 

Your's is a very specialized requirement and I would not rely on the seller's advice - mainly because they are unlikely to know or care.

 

I would not worry if a long-shaft engine is too long. It shouldn't be too difficult to raise the mounting point to get the propeller at the right depth.

[kalika]

i have been on the phone with Yamaha direct to ask about this engine

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170631645314&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_959

 

and if it is suitable for my boat and they said yes but no other 9.9 will do and indeed this one does have the high thrust or dual thrust prop(the two are the same thing apparently) as this one also comes with the controls which are not too difficult to fit so say Yamaha,this engine seems to me like the right one for my 30 ft narrowboat as far as my novice eyes can make out but im judging this on what i have learned in the last week.I dont know any other boaters or have anyone to help me with this so once again any advice or second opinions are most welcome and appreciated

[Robin2]

i have been on the phone with Yamaha direct to ask about this engine

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170631645314&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_959

 

and if it is suitable for my boat and they said yes but no other 9.9 will do and indeed this one does have the high thrust or dual thrust prop(the two are the same thing apparently) as this one also comes with the controls which are not too difficult to fit so say Yamaha,this engine seems to me like the right one for my 30 ft narrowboat as far as my novice eyes can make out but im judging this on what i have learned in the last week.I dont know any other boaters or have anyone to help me with this so once again any advice or second opinions are most welcome and appreciated

 

It sounds like you have got the information you need direct from the horses mouth.

 

The only remaining question in my mind is whether you would be better with a 15hp engine. I seem to recall that they are identical to the 9hp ones but just have a different carburettor - but don't take my word for it. The main reason I would consider the 15hp engine is to have more thrust for emergency stops. On the other hand the engine is on ebay now - and presumably at a price you are happy with.

[kalika]

i have been doing a bit more research and have found that many springers and smaller narrowboats have a 9.9 engine and have seen them with old hondas that i imagine dont have a high thrust prop,so im going for the yamaha 9.9 four stroke as i have found two at not a bad price and am hopeing to sell the mariner 40hp i have to help fund it ,A friend of mine has returned from holiday today and is going to help me with welding thanks to all for the advice i shall post more of my progress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It sounds like you have got the information you need direct from the horses mouth.

 

The only remaining question in my mind is whether you would be better with a 15hp engine. I seem to recall that they are identical to the 9hp ones but just have a different carburettor - but don't take my word for it. The main reason I would consider the 15hp engine is to have more thrust for emergency stops. On the other hand the engine is on ebay now - and presumably at a price you are happy with.

Edited April 29, 2011 by kalika