INVESTIGATOR 563

thoughts on outboard mounting. I am toying with the idea of mounting outboard on transom in the center with twin rudders or possibly making a proper outboard well on the starboard side , I may also need to scallop out a section of the transom to let the leg sit vertical. I have 2 reasons for this mod 1: the boat will be used a lot for fishing and motoring with out the mast , so I think it would make a user friendly launch with out losing sailing capability. 2: I don't really like transom brackets or outboard wells.[the hole through the bottom type.]

Not recommended.
* Modifying your boat will reduce its value
* The transom is not designed for a central motor, and would need a lot of reinforcement.
* The first models had the outboard in a well in the port locker. Quickly dropped. (Fumes, loss of space, lack of turning.)
* If you have one of the inproved rudders, (particularly the drop type) they work well even at large angles of heel.

A spring counterweighted transom bracket works well. If you have a tiller lock you can steer with the outboard if you need to.

Thanks for the reply ian.

I would agree with all the points Ian has made.

I believe if your seriously thinking about chopping into the boat, the best engine type modification to a 563 would be to fit an inboard diesel .Single pot 6-8hp. It would turn the 563 into a real boat and would only add value My son Kev scored this little gem, It would be perfect for my 563 , just think no more transom clutter, plus you would get a deep driving prop and a beautiful exhaust note to boot.
Steve

Diesel adds weight. Then you need a propshaft gland that doesnt leak, cooling inlet/outlet, good access for maintenance, loss of storage space. Not for me!

My self i would stick to the out board motor easier to work on and if it buggers up also prob cheaper to replace well thats my opinion .

Steve wrote:I believe if your seriously thinking about chopping into the boat, the best engine type modification to a 563 would be to fit an inboard diesel .Single pot 6-8hp. It would turn the 563 into a real boat and would only add value

marine diesel.jpg

My son Kev scored this little gem, It would be perfect for my 563 , just think no more transom clutter, plus you would get a deep driving prop and a beautiful exhaust note to boot.
Steve

And oil leaks. Vibration.gland leaks. Fuel weeps. I have lots of boat building and modifying experience and single pot diesels are not nice engines in small boats. Ok in heavy plank hulls because the wood absorbs a lot of the noise and vibration. The last volvo single i had was in a thirty footer and it rattled everything on board at idle.

My idea is not to build a full outboard well but a small splashwell with the outboard mounted on the transom power boat style. I have everything i need to do the job which is a lot simpler than most of the conversions i have done. I want to use my boat for offshore fishing in power boat mode and that is the reason i don't want the engine on a bracket where it can get drowned in sloppy conditions. I will reinforce the transom and add a gusset where the engine will go. The transom brackets put a lot more stress on the boat than direct mounting. I will draw a plan to show what i mean when i get home . Thanks again for all the replys . It is good to get everyones opinion.

Brendan,
Following on your concept, why not build the well on the side of the transom where the current bracket is, with a short bracket or false transom to mount the motor. The advantage of side mounting is to counteract the effect of "Prop Walk" , and you would need to check the rotation direction of your prop to decide which side. Plus, when side mounted, you do not have to fiddle with the rudder design.