38bat

I just picked up this boat from a forum member. It is an old 34 Luhrs that came originally with twin 318 inboards. Both engines are removed. Ultimately I would replace them but in the mean time the previous owner included an outboard bracket. He mentioned installing this and putting on a 150hp outboard. Seemed like a reasonable temporary fix but I am looking for any feedback. I realize this would be for displacement speeds only. Thanks for any ideas/help!

Tuna Man

34' and a 150:banghead

Just wondering, would that get you much more then trolling speed?

I had a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda with a 318ci and a two barrel carb. If I remember the HP output was 230HP X2...460HP

5,000# 25' Century Cuddy w/350 260HP....25mph

Chris Couture

First, even if you put steering on the motor, there is no way in hell you would be able to control it. Parking would be a bitch with no wind and impossible with anything above 4MPH! Second, you would really need to have the right prop for it and even then, I don't think you would get much more than 10 knots at WOT.

38bat

No, displacement speeds. I had a 26' and could get to hull speed with a 9.9 kicker motor. Pretty easy to get to 8-9 knots. That would likely be about it I would think. 150 wouldn't be necessary, could get away with alot less I think but he mentioned 150 so I quoted him. Not sure how this boat would react though with that much weight hanging off the back and two engines removed. Might be a wash?

38bat

This is not a permanent solution, just temporary to be able to move the boat around

Chris Couture

If it was just to move it from one marina to another and only once, it should work (with a few friends expecting you at the new marina to help you). One motor of the back of a 34' will not gave you any control in tight areas (like the dock). Not to mention, it's gonna kill you in gas...

Tuna Man

How far and how many times are you contemplating moving it. Would it be worth the trouble of hooking everything up vrs towing it? Wouldn't take much more then a jon boat.

38bat

I have run lots of boats and agree on the maneuvering. Fuel should be easy though, as peak efficiency is at hull speed. This should make for good conversation. I would guess fuel would be somewhere around 4nmpg at 7 knots. A big outboard should be running low RPM's at hull speed.

38bat

Temporary meaning less than a year. Would it be worth it? I am not sure, if it is just mounting an outboard than probably. Wouldn't be cruising extensively but would like to be able to move around without towing. Boat is a project so taking care of everything else and then investing in a couple new engines.

38bat