Regal Sterndrive to Outboard Conversion Project Part 2

[@BCB-Boats-Media]

Nice one! 👍 We did also this for Fourwinns 245 and currently Im doing OB conversion for my Offshore racing boat. I/O to OB conversion makes boat so much better 👍

[@jamesgren5610]

You did a great conversion. I converted our Sea Ray 290 amberjack to twin yamaha 250's. Best decision we made. Unlimited space for beach toys and chairs in the engine bay now. I had a custom flotation bracket fabricated which I plumbed for extra fresh water. It's nice going on 3-5 day trips with an extra 75 gallons of fresh water on tap. We were used to the having the zodiac on the platform so I welded two bracket to accept stanchions on the side of where the motors mount. I had two brackets made that hold the zodiac a couple inches about the outboards for transport. Some food for thought.

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Yes, it is the best decision that I made also. I would like to see a picture of your boat.

[@davidvalens3337]

what is better suzuki or yamaha?

[@georgeanddaddecker7563]

Nicely done. There are so many of the I/O boats that have failed I/I'd that are just rotting away. If we could convert these imagine how many boats could be rescued from the dump. Most of them are near mint but nobody wants them with a failed engine. Out boards are so much more reliable and safe.

[@cheapme1850]

I thought about the same thing so I did a quick cost estimate and it wasn't really cost effective, at least for freshwater. A rebuilt small block would only cost at worst, about $6k, and that's at the extreme end, but there are used engines all over for as low as a grand or two. Then if you need a stern drive, that's $1000 used, or you can get a brand new SEI for $2000 or less. All of this is just plug and play that any Bubba could do in his yard versus all the modification necessary for doing the outdrive. Heck, you can get a running 1980's Sea Ray, good condition, for around $6000 nowadays, full canvas and trailer included. If I were buying brand new, I'd definitely go outboard, but the conversion route just isn't cost effective right now.

[@kalebeldridge7032]

@@cheapme1850 so you’re saying I shouldn’t buy an old inboard and convert it to an outboard I thought about buying my neighbors old Chris craft 25ft for 3k do you think it could be cost effective then??

[@cheapme1850]

@@kalebeldridge7032 It’s just not cost effective, even if you do most of the work and get good deals on everything you need, and in the long run, an old boat is still an old boat. I just saw a mid 1980’s Sea Ray Sundancer in good shape for $6000.

[@illsuspect]

​@kalebeldridge7032 he's got $30K at least in boat motors alone on this thing. Nice but steep.

[@SLSLSL-u8v]

This is bad ass you made something special

[@hv9356]

I really like it. So smooth...!!

[@mrsuarez430]

Sweet im currently planning to do this to my 21.5 searay I'm done with inboards think I can do a 150 or 200 hp single I'm tight on budget

[@blackgates9985]

Great job! I have a 2002 monetary 282, thinking of a OB conversion…

[@grantleyte2784]

That's a very nice boat you have there and a great conversion you've done.I have done a similar conversion on a 25 alloy boat that used to have a v8 inboard but now has an 250hp Optimax - the teething issue I had was that moving 580kg weight from down low and adding 260kg up high was it shifted the center of gravity causing the boat to be a bit tippy I am currently about to add 300kg of sealed lead ballast to bring the center of gravity back down

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Thanks for the comments. It is definitely a better performance. I would like to see a picture of your boat.

[@grantleyte2784]

Contact me through messenger and I'll send the before - during and after pics

[@jamesgren5610]

@@grantleyte2784 How tippy was it? I converted our boat with twin 350's and bravo threes and went with outboards, no change in how it rolls. I know i shaved about 1000 lbs off the total weight too. Im sure going from a single inboard to a single outboard saved you 500lbs at a minimum.

[@grantleyte2784]

@@jamesgren5610 our boat is a 25 footer with a 2.5 meter beam

[@wests3771]

Awesome, looks great and overpowered! scenery looks like you must be near me I'm in Tarpon Springs. doing this on my 24' Maxum. doing it budget friendly, already have a 250 yamaha efi and aluminum. bracket. Should do 45mph.

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Thanks and yes here in Florida St. Cloud. I am so glad I did this. Good luck on your Maxum and I would love to see pictures.

[@rmhcmp]

Nice job and videos. I am thinking of doing this to my 08 Chaparral Signature 290, going with twin 300s. Are you still able to pivot the boat in tight places (one engine reverse, one fwd) with the outboards? Any regrets on losing the swim platform? And changes you would make?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

You can still pivot it just requires a little more throttle. Losing the swim platform was not a great deal for us we never really used it other than just boarding the boat and there is enough platform for that. the advantages of outboards outweighs that. The extra storage space where the old engines were is great.

[@watercop5115]

one word, awsome a lot of boat, shes happy. been playing with cost, 30 ft carver twin 250 s wonder who did the work

[@pettypendergrass8596]

you took a lot of weight out, dual o/b kept you from running ballast. Nice conversion!

[@arieloflameusa]

I see you did great job on the digital gauges

[@knowyuhgrow420]

Nice work thanks for sharing

[@abrahamdiaz3079]

Great job! How’s it performing? Any new vids.

[@abouttimeboating9670]

It performs great. I will post a small video on performance.

[@Andrico77]

Great work!

[@alexconnelly1634]

Very nice what bracket are you using

[@abouttimeboating9670]

A&J marine Welding Bracket

[@jimjg9923]

Very nice!

[@direstrait5418]

Did this boat have prop pockets??

[@rodriguezairconditioning4417]

I loved your project I have a 2001 reagal commodore 2760 two engines v6 with volvo duo pro and I would like to know if I can do that project and if you dedicate yourself to doing it

[@abouttimeboating9670]

The transom on the 2760 is different than mine but sure it can be done. Yes you can do it yourself. Once I removed the engines and outdrives it took me a couple of weekends to close in the the holes. I ordered the bracket from A&J Marine welding in Hialeah, FL. They will send you a paper to fill out with all your boat dimensions to fill out for making the bracket. Once you get the bracket they will have instructions for mounting. If you are from down in that area they may be able to suggest what you need. Wherever you buy motors they have to do the install for warranty.

[@arieloflameusa]

Great work. I have regal 2465 and thinking to do same thing. Why you couldn''t use old platform?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

It would in the way of the outboards tilting. Possible you cut around them.

[@sheldoncampbell2958]

Where did you get your transom bracket for your Regal boat? I have a 1999 Regal Destiny 200 that I want to do the same on.

[@abouttimeboating9670]

A&J Marine Welding is the bracket manufacturer in Miami also known as custommarinewelding.com

[@sheldoncampbell2958]

@@abouttimeboating9670 Thank you

[@steveleston6147]

good deal: doesn't get better than that 27' twin outboards w/ swim deck excellent. are the zukes drive by wire?I'd like to know how the dbw shifts the gears I've read there isn't a clunk into gear. congrates and enjoy.

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Yes they are drive by wire and it is a really smooth shift.

[@fivepointsceo6190]

Great job. Can you share some costs for the project. I’m considering a one motor conversion

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Bracket $4500. Twin 200 with fly by wire gauges and controls with new hydraulic steering $38,000 installed. Supplies and materials to enclose and reinforce transom $1500 and I did all the work. Sold old motors and outdrives and all the parts for around $11,000

[@ackack612]

eee gads! what a horrible roi you'll realize should you decide to sell... clearly you have NO intention of selling. that said, a very nice install. kudos to you.

[@diverse_insightt.o6499]

@@ackack612 you are such a banana 😂

[@stevemason5348]

Fantastic, well done, what size are the outboards?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

200

[@mindbendingmetalart9929]

Did you have a fiberglass background? I want to do this to my 25ft Donzi Regazza, but I have never done fiberglass work. I have already removed the motor and drive unit. It’s sitting there with a hole that needs to be fiber glassed up. Any information will be helpful.

[@abouttimeboating9670]

I don't have a fiberglass background. just self taught and watch videos of it. i have done a couple of different project years ago. Keep the amount you mix to a minimum and use plenty of resin to soak the fabric. they sell small pumps to mix the resin and catalyst. definitely get them. Good Luck.

[@kevinmather8283]

Is it possible to do conversion on a bigger boat ,say meridian 341?

[@douglasthompson2740]

Three minutes of watching a boat sit on a trailer!!! Check back when you have something to offer!!

[@martinparker9249]

nice, i wonder how she'd fare with a single yamaha 300 v8 ?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

I debated a single 300 but decided the twin 200's. Have more power than I need. I believe the single 300 would perform just fine.

[@Jorge-zu2fs]

Great job. I have a 1989 Silverton 30x fully inboards 350 x 2. How much this conversion might set me off?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Bracket $4500. Twin 200 with fly by wire gauges and controls with new hydraulic steering $38,000 installed. Supplies and materials to enclose and reinforce transom $1500 and I did all the work. Sold old motors and outdrives and all the parts for around $11,000

[@K5ALLEN]

I am currently converting a silverton 312 to yamaha 200hp outboard

[@kurtcachia]

I have a regal 26 Volantis, Thinking of doing the same. Do you think 2 *150HP would suffice?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Yes Absolutely

[@billmcpheeters1888]

Great job. I don't understand why boat manufacturers don't offer power cruisers with outboard engines. Outboards of the last 10 years and as good or better than their I/O counterparts and provide better performance with lower cost.

[@rsmail7426]

Regal does offer cabin cruisers with outboards, at least 3 years now.

[@rsmail7426]

Boat ramp location? Thanks.

[@Ssgooooo]

How much time did it take to prep for and install the bracket? What’s your estimate on how long it took to get the motors and electronics wired up once you had motors for it? I’m looking to do this with my 28’ Pursuit. How’s the ride been?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

I only worked on this on the weekends. it took about 3 weekends to fill the holes and prep for the bracket. installed the bracket in one day. I had the outboard seller install the motors, wiring and steering which took them about a week. it rides great. it handles a little bit different due converting from inboards and if floats much better.

[@railroad9000]

Why would you do this? Serious question. Advantage? Disadvantage?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

There were multiple reasons that I decided to go to outboards. First off the engines were original and were going need replacement at some point along with outdrives. Upgrading to the outboards has freed up the space for extra storage plus do have to worry about gas fumes in the boat or the constant repairs to inboards. The performance and reliability of the outboards is great and the fuel economy is a lot better and with all the dital controls just makes it great. The manufacturer builds boats this way now but for 6 times what I have in this boat. The only disadvantage is the smaller swim platform.

[@railroad9000]

@@abouttimeboating9670 Thanks I figured you gain storage,etc.

[@cheapme1850]

Just to chime in…supposed you had an older boat that you took really good care of, nice canvas and upholstery, all stringers dry and solid, and it’s fully paid for. Despite your good care, you know the stern drives are on borrowed time, with an original Alpha 1 at a minimum, running $4k new. Then you add a 260 Merc at about $5k. Then double it because you’re running twins. You could toss $50k at the high end and STILL come out way cheaper than buying anything remotely new or newer, and essentially have a brand new boat. Of course resale wouldn’t be that great but a lot of people really stick with their boats for years once they find their perfect boat. One other thing…boats from the mid 80’s to about the 2010’s look way better than the goofy boats they’re making now, Whalers being the notable exception.

[@railroad9000]

@@cheapme1850 How about a straight inboard 260 HP diesel?

[@cheapme1850]

@@railroad9000 It would probably take a similar amount of work - new tanks, new electronics, etc. The only real difficult part of this is closing up the transom and mounting the mount and people have transoms fixed or replaced all the time. I actually thought about starting up a business refurbishing older Sea Rays which are loved in this area, getting an engineer to come up with a solid platform and replacing the drivetrain with updated components. Again, this would be thousands less than anything you can buy new nowadays and would be versatile enough to sell in both fresh and salt water areas..

[@felipemaia9389]

After 1 year, you still recommend this conversion?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Absolutely.

[@knowyuhgrow420]

I wonder whats the price of this conversion

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Bracket $4500. Twin 200 with fly by wire gauges and controls with new hydraulic steering $38,000 installed. Supplies and materials to enclose and reinforce transom $1500 and I did all the work. Sold old motors and outdrives and all the parts for around $11,000

[@sonnyghandour]

What this project costed you? Do you think is feasible on a 2007 Searay 280 sundancer..

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Bracket $4500. Twin 200 with fly by wire gauges and controls with new hydraulic steering $38,000 installed. Supplies and materials to enclose and reinforce transom $1500 and I did all the work. Sold old motors and outdrives and all the parts for around $11,000

[@hildablanco1591]

Outboard replacement is ten times more expensive than inbourds but you don't have exhaust manifolds

[@Greenwashedhipppie]

Pretty cool. I dig it. I wonder if anyone and swapped out big inboards for jet ski engines like my yamaha jet boat.

[@Derkenblosh2]

The hull-shapes aren't correct to convert I/O to Jet Drives... Makes more sense to stick with motor rebuilds

[@Grantdaryn]

Where you get the bracket?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

A&J Marine Welding in Miami. High quality job.

[@lawman390]

How much did this put you back in cost?

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Bracket $4500. Twin 200 with fly by wire gauges and controls with new hydraulic steering $38,000 installed. Supplies and materials to enclose and reinforce transom $1500 and I did all the work. Sold old motors and outdrives and all the parts for around $11,000

[@vinodkamath5510]

Hi can u please guide me to convert my inboard to outboard I am from India so the resources available are very less

[@zackriden79]

why doesnt seem the boats worth that motor

[@Guepard_Marine]

Interesting if you would be able to return all invested money and sell it for a good price... I want to do the same with my 1981 Sea Ray Sundancer 260, but not sure I would be able to sell it for $50,000 :)))

[@abouttimeboating9670]

Not sure I would look at doing this if you are planning on selling, I estimated on having this boat for 10 years after and wanted the dependability of the outboards plus the fuel economy is more than double. Electronic controls and gauges just make it so much better.. I also installed twin 200's but a single 300 would do the job just fine. I still think it adds value to the boat. All the manufacturers are installing outboards now. Either way I am glad that I done this.

[@Guepard_Marine]

@@abouttimeboating9670 Well, I’m not planning on selling it now, but just curious IF/WHEN I would like to sell it… I’m thinking to install one 300-400 or two 150-200. I’m in the open ocean a lot, so better to have two just in case :)) And maneuverability is much better with two.

[@hildablanco1591]

Your reving too high compared to inbourds you should have gotten twin 4 cylinder deisals with bravo 2 mercury drives