[Public-list] Inboard Replacement

[Manza, LtCol John LTC PM LAV]

After screwing around for a few seasons with my old Gray Marine inboard, I
am going to replace the engine with an outboard.  There are a few key
reasons for this.  The first, is cost.  I estimate that a diesel conversion
will cost around 8 - 10 thousand dollars and with grad school, kids braces,
and life I can't afford that.  The second reason is ease of maintenance.  A
new outboard is in my mind more reliable and more easily repaired - or taken
to a repair shop - than is an inboard.  With all of that in mind, I now am
struggling with the decision as to where to put the outboard.  One option is
on the stern.  I don't like this because it is ugly and because I am worried
about the prop coming out of the water and the engine swamping in high seas.
The other option is to place the engine in the lazarette.  Some models of
the Alberg 22 came with a well mount for an outboard as did the Sparkman and
Stevens Yankee Dolphin.  I also recently read an article about a similar
boat to the A30 having an outboard installed in the lazarette - see
http://www.atomvoyages.com/projects/outboard.htm
<http://www.atomvoyages.com/projects/outboard.htm> .  The engine that I am
looking at is a 9.8 hp Nissan extra long shaft.   My question is - has
anybody in this group done this?    
 
John Manza
#150