Bayliner 2452 Sterndrive to outboard conversion project walk through and history

A walkthrough of our Bayliner 2452 outboard conversion project. There has been lots of interest in this conversion, hopefully this answers some of your questions.

[@lil_1443]

This is the best example I've seen. Thank you for a thorough viewing.

[@gavholz5038]

Wow that's a really good job. Looks great and the engine bay is ready for storage. The wiring and fuel set up looks great! Well done

[@OB1974]

I'm impressed by the quality of your workmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Thanks Bob!

[@planbeeapiaries]

I had the same balancing issue on my 222 (formerly 2252) you might want to consider moving batteries around to the forward starboard side and moving the kicker motor to the starboard side as well rather than carrying ballast around, should be easy for you since your mount is on a standard swim platform. I also went with wider trim tabs. Awesome project!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

i’m most impressed with your Conversion on how Professional the final Project. came out in the end ! i grew up in SouthFlorida and began Boating in the mid to late 1970s many DIY projects are. too overwhelming for Amateurs. to. complete with limited Skills and. the job winds up looking very unprofessional and/or not completed which can really hurt the resale value or compromise the Safety of the Vessel i began working part time Professionally in the Marine repair ,maintenance , and restoration Industry. and often we were hired in a effort to fix or repair. those disasters and in reality it cost those Boat Owners. a lot more money than it should have by hiring a Professional right from the beginning the Pros have the resources in their back Pockets like Marine Engineers Architects , and the Parts distributors not relying on Big Box Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s to have the proper materials ( they simply do not )

[@pelebar1636]

fantastic job I have the same boat and same year. I cant wait to do the same like yours one day. i also like the fact that the boat is going fast some where like 44 miles an hour wow fast. thank you for the video and pictures.

[@scottjohnson9912]

Great video. I own a 2455 Bayliner that has a OMC outdrive that I want to do this to . Makes total sense Only I'm thinking of mounting 2 motors. Thank you for a good informative video.

[@lordllewellynofdarkdelight2613]

Awesome. Nice job on the video. Thank you.

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Awesome job

[@greggartrell7790]

you are my hero. great job. thank you for posting that. cheers.

[@markjennings2315]

interesting that your new motors ventilation plate and prop are higher relative to the keel than the original I/o drive. I read the ventilation plates should be level with the keel on planing hulls?

[@shawnhartley]

Nice Job, I don't know a lot about the conversion process from a inboard/outboard but I can see the advantage here. I will be taking out my engines soon I have twin 4.3. I hoping to build a pod and install 1 single Mercury Verrado 300hp . My boat is a 1993 Maxum any pointers would be appreciated.

[@bobsean]

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing

[@lerch122]

that is a good idea with the tube brackets

[@hwwelds9050]

I think I would want cross members on the inside brackets. I'm sure it is fine in a straight shot but the rest of the transom isn't designed for side to side stress. i.e. if you hit the gas hard in a turn. Eventually I think it will cause stress cracks. Keep an eye on it.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

HWwelds This was originally a stern drive so the transom was designed for the propulsion loads just not the weight.

[@5150Slider]

I purchased a 1975 Chris Craft Catalina this past summer that had a vapor-locked 307 in the engine compartment; I am having a helluva time refitting it with a 350 I had laying around - seems I can't get the flywheel to match the transmission and a slough of other issues that are frustrating me. I am really intrigued with the possibility of an outboard conversion like this one...

[@Mihalyofficial]

what did you end up doing?

[@roocket6]

Pretty boat

[@misterozonio4325]

Good job... but a twin 100hp was a good idea too!😅🤙

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Well done on the Conversion who did all your Engineering for the Bracket ? i like the Kicker set up i’m a South Floridian Boater and i like running back and forth to the Carribean / Bahamas. toand from Port Everglades sure i keep Tow Boats as well. but i rather have the ability. to solve my own issues at Sea whenever possible worse case scenario a generator and a Kicker. can keep the boat and Crew. a much happier group with a safer Harbour to Anchor and. a more Comfortable. Airconditioned. Cabin to seek Shelter

[@thomasroy5833]

You mentioned slow to plane. Is your full down angle correct? Looks like you might have a “bow up”. Hard to tell from vid. Good job. I almost did it on a rinker 26 but have an integrated swim platform. New 5.7 mercruiser went in.

[@tamaralee4108]

You are the first I have seen to position the primer bulb "upstream" (closer to the tank) of the Racor fuel filter. It makes a lot of sense because then the bulb does not need to overcome the resistance through the filter. Have you had any problems with the filter leaking when you pressurized it while priming with the bulb? Greg

[@TheStephenspann27]

What are advantages you are seeing with the outboard? I have two boats, one with an EFI 5.0 I/O and one with a 150 blackmax. I like the quietness and fuel economy of the I/O.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Ease of maintenance, lighter weight, no through hull failure possibilities, I can trim it almost completely out of the water (it is on a mooring), additional setback has handling advantages, repower possibilities are endless and simple, it's actually designed for salt water (GM cast iron engines start to rot as soon as they see salt water in them, and don't get me going about how exhaust manifolds and risers are "consumables"...), AND I gained a 5' by 4' storage space under deck that I can stand in. I absolutely love it, it came out perfect. I would do it again...

[@anthonymurphy1624]

Please Share how much was the bracket that you mounted the motor and brand? Thinking of buying a 2352 trophy wa boat with a inboard motor.

[@slickrock1371]

I'm curious about noise/vibration advantages due to your swap; it seems you've moved all of that past the transom.

[@Reeffanatic67]

Exactly what I’m looking for ! Converting a SeaRay Amberjack 270 . From 2 inboards . Not sure if I can get away with one outboard?

[@glennwatkins8496]

I have a 1977 SeaRay 27 foot boat, I rebuilt the OMC 235 outdrive 2 years ago and rebuilt the 1975 Ford 351 Windsor V8 this last summer. Hoping to get it in the water this year. I was curious what kind of cost is associated with the conversion. It is getting darn near impossible to find parts for the OMC sterndrives so when it finally goes I would like to have an idea of what it would cost to do a conversion to outboard?

[@rafwhy9888]

Great video I have always wanted to do this Everyone advises not to I read that the 200hp was just enough so this question might be uncessary but do you think 2 25hp would move to boat 15 miles per hour. and i thinking about the 23 ciera

[@stevegismondo9742]

Why not make it wider abd deeper, saves putting concrete inside to balance the boat?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

I didn't design the boat.... It listed, the front to back balance was fine.

[@patrickvaughan7549]

Does the outboard correct some of the drift/bow steer issues inherent with this boat? I have one and it takes a lot of wheel turning to keep itt going straight at slow speeds.

[@carazo321]

I have a feeling that boat is severely underpowered.

[@ivajurj4874]

I recently purchased one of these boats and also have the rotten cabin floor. Do you have any pictures of the work you did? The kitchenette side seems easy but the floor seems to go underneath the 3 storage compartments underneath the bench/seating area and I’m wondering how far to go/cut underneath. Or did you just cut it up until the edge before the storage compartments? Thanks in advance for any help...if you’re still active on here that is!

[@blueeyedsailor92]

I only cut the bottom. The floor under the dinette was ok.

[@Monkeyspank88]

What would you say the total round about cost as far as the whole process; the parts, the engine, flooring, and patching up the whole and whatever else that comes to mind? I'm looking into a 1988 four winns 245. If I choose not to get it, I do not want to limit myself to just looking into outboard boats if i can have the option of converting an inboard to an outboard.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

There's no way for me to predict what your particular boat will need but it will undoubtedly cost thousands to convert. I would start with figuring out what outboard motor and bracket you wish to buy. That will be 80% of the cost.

[@andresparrow2971]

@@blueeyedsailor92 Boooo! J/k, but he asked for a round number. I'm considering learning the skill of boating I'm purchasing my own. I noticed inboards are everywhere an extremely affordable, but maintenance is horrible. I already know I want an outboard, but the cost of entry is much higher, so coming across your conversion video made me wonder if I could buy a cheaper in board and do a conversion to offset the cost of outboard boat entry.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Like I said in another response I think I put around $12K into the boat but you could easily spend twice that on a new motor alone. Price out a Yamaha 250 and you’ll see what I mean.

[@OVER-bENGINEERED]

Excellent job, looks great. How well does the 3.5hp move it? I’m thinking about adding an auxiliary outboard and was wondering what kind of speed you get from it.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

I never used it.

[@augustfagerlund327]

Nice work! I have a similar to Scarab 31, had a 5,4 merc in it before. Im planning to put a Evinrude g2 200 on it instead. Do you think that would be enough? Boat is around 2500kg.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

The old 200 was just enough for this boat. It could have used a 225. I wouldn’t think 200hp would be enough for a 31’ boat. This boat originally had a 220hp Mercury 5.0.

[@stevemason5348]

Great job but it looks like your cavitation plate is not inline with the bottom of the V where it should be. Maybe you could have lowered the bracket to suit or get yourself an engine with 25 inch leg.

[@anthonyfrontiero5546]

Where would l get a bracket like that, thanks tony

[@taiming71]

How long is the bracket and how long would it need to be for the engine not to touch the hull?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

I sold this boat four years ago but thanks for the continued interest!

[@aljaserutube]

I’m starting the conversion on my 1996 Bayliner 2452 (exactly like your boat) .. I’m planning to buy brand new yamaha 200h 2 strock engine, dealer gave me a good deal. My question is should I get the long shaft or the short shaft? Could please give me the measurements of the bracket because the dealer is custom building it.. any other advice would be helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Thanks for the feedback but I sold her a couple of years ago. I believe it was a 25" shaft.

[@andresparrow2971]

2 questions: How many years have you been boating? What was the round cost/overall of your conversation, strictly the driveline swap, not the cabin rehab?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Many years, since I was a teenager. If I remember correctly the bracket itself cost around $1800. I didn’t keep track of the motor rebuild cost but there’s plenty of outboards out there to get a price from.

[@reihsir]

Hi was the engine bracket custom made?

[@scott5747]

So what's the payoff to convert to outboard motors? Was it worth it?

[@bigsea1306]

What was the cost of the box rack and pinion and trim assembly

[@JedemPoKucama]

It needs a 300

[@keijomuuri]

Change that prop to propper stainless and it will work much better. Ventilation holes will help planing faster

[@tucbri]

Sweetest boat how many feet long and wide

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Thanks! 23' 9" OAL, 8' 6" beam

[@planbeeapiaries]

What gelcoat did you use to match the factory Bayliner?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Yuri Evfimiou standard West Marine.

[@mitchelllewis4916]

Cool project. Can I ask what you paid for the boat?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

$5000

[@jonnyeisenhardt4910]

Is your bracket made from steel or aluminum?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Aluminum

[@blueeyedsailor92]

She's FOR SALE. Message me if interested. It's listed on EBay and Craigslist South Coast MA.

[@crpuleo]

Can you post the link or has it sold?

[@gilbertperez2938]

I just got a Bayliner as well, but don't know the year and has no motor. Is there a way where I can send you a picture and maybe you can tell me what year it is, and how I can convert it to outboard???

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Gilbert Perez I would look up the hull ID (HID) number online. You should be able to decipher the year from that. As far as the conversion, there are lots of places online to get ideas from (including this video) but be aware that you need to be VERY mechanically inclined and it will take time, money, and mechanical skills to get it done right. There’s no “one size fits all” recipe out there and everyone has a slightly different approach depending on the boat. The one recommendation I have is to use a four stroke, The Black max was light and powerful but it’s constant noise was annoying. As you will see on my channel I have gone back to sailing.

[@mrzif0013]

how did you figure the location of the engine mount? thinking of going outboard vs cost of new boat>?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

There's lots of info online and many debates about this. It's mostly trial and error. There's some general rule about 1" up per 12" back but it's not always true.

[@ronniebowien6471]

Hi, my name is Ronnie, and we have the exact same boat. Just saw your video and just curious where did you buy your standoff bracket for your outboard motor? Our motor is no good in our boat due to saltwater here in Fl Pandhandle. thanks for your input. Ronnie Also, what is your email address? thanks

[@blueeyedsailor92]

The bracket came from the folks at Moby Cool but I looked at an Armstrong bracket also.

[@frankletizia7835]

I see you small out board on side for back up. I like to have same on inboard and outboard . For back up. How you get to turn it from inside boat?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

The little 3.5 was there in case we needed to get out of danger in a channel or tight inlet should the old Mercury fail us. The big outboard could still steer the boat as the little outboard provided thrust (like an inboard and a rudder). It wasn't intended to get us home in case of a major failure. We have Tow Boat US for that. :). Thanks for watching!

[@frankletizia7835]

Thanks I got try make bracket and keep my small electric out board motor just stay in place . I don't want get stuck out ocean . @@blueeyedsailor92

[@renn0911]

How much did the whole thing cost

[@igotatan1]

What does a conversion, of that caliber cost? I'm actually planning to convert a 34' houseboat.

[@blueeyedsailor92]

I didn’t really keep track. The only piece of advice I have is to make sure you really LOVE the boat you are converting. You’ll never recoup the cost of the conversion by selling it.

[@igotatan1]

Thank You for your honest reply.

[@mrzif0013]

how does the engine mount to the transum?

[@MACofallTRADES707]

What brand is the the bracket?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Mobycool

[@kevinscott9499]

Otherwise excellent job

[@ponch2100]

Wondering if you ever removed the dog house and if so how you filled the gap in the floor.?

[@jerseyb3058]

Hi can you tell me Where did you get the conversion kit

[@blueeyedsailor92]

The bracket is from these guys: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHiyg6OqbaismNk It's not really a "kit" so much as a project. There's so much more to it than just the bracket.

[@mpower3144]

hi how did you mount the tohatsu to the platform , dyi or they a make a bracket, thanks

[@blueeyedsailor92]

It was on a mount made by panther. Google part number 55-0030.

[@mpower3144]

@@blueeyedsailor92 thankyou, one more question, what hp is the tohatsu and the shaft length , I have a 87 searay 250 sundancer and want to add an auxillary motor like you have, thanks again

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Mpower it was my dinghy motor. 3.5 long shaft. It’s not enough, go with at least a 6. I was just bringing it along for an emergency.

[@mpower3144]

@@blueeyedsailor92 i have a 454 magnum on her, so when fishing i want to use the trolling motor, yeah i was looking at the 6hp, , and found the 20 inch long shaft

[@blueeyedsailor92]

@@mpower3144 You can get a 6hp Tohatsu sailpro with a long shaft. I had one on my sailboat and it was a great little motor. By the way, the bracket in the video was an el-cheapo just to prove the concept. I switched to the panther afterward.

[@Honda1k]

what made you decide to use the Black Max

[@blueeyedsailor92]

A few reasons; The older Mercury engines are inexpensive (compared to a new Yamaha anyway), reliable, have a better power to weight ratio than most modern engines, easy to work on (this one was torn down to the block), new parts are still readily available and are reasonably priced, and the carb versions are easy to diagnose should anything ever go wrong. The 2.4L and 2.5L Mercs are still some racer's choice because they are light and can rev very high without self destructing. Also, I didn't want to put a $20K engine on a $5K boat but also didn't want a worn out unreliable engine either. So... I built what is effectively a brand new 1995 engine for it. The downsides?? They are thirsty and noisy (and can vibrate at low speeds occasionally) but I can live with that.

[@newsomeassoc]

You said "fair amount of money". What is that cost exactly?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

I don't know the exact cost but $12K is in the ballpark including the complete motor rebuild.

[@newsomeassoc]

@@blueeyedsailor92 thanks! I'm about to do a 3' boat stretch plus I/O to outboard conversion..........

[@Fordgpw1942ocalafl]

Hey buddy I want to put twins on mine should I just put two tanks like you have

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Two fuel or oil tanks? Each motor should have its own oil tank but 79 gallons of fuel in the single tank should be enough.

[@Fordgpw1942ocalafl]

Blue Eyed Sailor the flotation tanks that the motor bolts too

[@blueeyedsailor92]

Fordgpw1942ocalafl you should probably have a custom bracket made for that. Try Armstrong brackets.

[@kevinscott9499]

Get that primer bulb out of the bilge.. must b outside. Not approved for below decks. (Marine master tech)

[@tomanderson3007]

Do you still have this boat?

[@blueeyedsailor92]

No but it's still in New Bedford and still running strong.

[@jimmygrant3212]

Rather keep the 427's that push my 17,000 pound boat to 30mph