tophatyachts.com

Hello All
I'm the proud owner of a Mk III with inboard engine she needs an anti foul and was considering the idea of removing the engine ( mostly to gain more space ) and opting for an outboard .What do you think

Cheers

If the inboard is reliable I think you would be crazy to remove it. If you read other threads you will see that even those with an outboard would prefer an inboard all other things being equal. You would also reduce the boat's value changing to an outboard.

My advice - don't do it! Interested to hear the advice of others.

Mark
Storm Petrel Mk11 ( Yanmar inboard)

G'day,
I removed mine because it was buggered, smelly and dirty.
When I took it out i gained about an extra 2 foot of useable floor space, which is a massive thing in a 25 foot yacht.
Out boards are cleaner and easier to service.
Go the outboard in a Toppy!!!
Cheers,
Aaron

Rodfor, what condition is the old motor and how reasonable are your mechanic skills?

My Tophat has an outboard but my previous boat had a 8 hp diesel inboard. Problems with the motor ended up my having to sell the boat (long story) and it used to leak exhaust and diesel fumes into the cabin. However, I learned how to service it (quite easy really) and if it was working as it was supposed to then it would have been really good. I got the service manual from the 'net and even bought a torque wrench so I could take the head off and put it back on after the mechanic had serviced it.

On the other hand, my current boat with an 18 hp outboard (which I want to downsize) has so much more useable power and it makes a big difference considering I am now moored on a river that has 3-4 knot tidal runs and wind against tide chop at the mouth.

So, my suggestion is to calculate the cost of getting the current motor up to a satisfactory standard (you may be able to do some of the work to reduce cost) and think about it then as you may be gaining a bit more space but costing too much in terms of money and other benefits.

If the old motor is too dodgy, then an appropriate sized outboard is, in my opinion, an alternative to the inboard diesel which has some serious benefits of its own, including as you mention, the extra space inside.

I am interested in a TH MKII for sale, but it has a 5HP outboard - surely this is not sufficient HP?
Any comments much appreciated.
Thanks,
M

Hi, I have just sailed, and motored my TH MK3 from Sydney to Batemans Bay. Propulsion is via a Johnson 6hp 2stroke long shaft. The motor provided adequate propulsion in the light to moderate conditions with 1-1.5m swell. The noise and smoke was a pain but you try to only motor when necessary. More of a hindrance was the water splashing under the o/b bracket in the well and constantly washing the cockpit, especially with a following sea. Speed under motor is not a major factor as long as progress is being made in the right direction. Speed was probably about 4-5 knots with the current.

Hi Gents ,

How often does an inboard auxillery leak emissions into the cabin area , as my three children are young , that has become one of my major concerns if buying a Mk1 I'm checking out at David Bray Yacht Sales next week .

Brad
DESIREMK1

More of a hindrance was the water splashing under the o/b bracket in the well and constantly washing the cockpit,

As I think I mentioned somewhere else, you can run a hose from the o/b relief ports to a point underwater and it will reduce the smoke in the cockpit. It is also possible to make a plug to partially block off the well. My original design was made of plywood, with a slot to fit around the motor leg. It was clamped between the motor and the mounting beam when installed, and had to be threaded around the leg before you dropped the whole lot into the well. However, worked a treat as it stopped the surging in the well, and probably even reduced the drag a little bit.

If you keep your diesel and stuffing box serviced and remember to close the water intake seacock after you use the motor there is no reason to ever have an inboard leak water into the boat. My bilge is always dry. I have two bilge pumps but have never had to use them.

Or are you talking about outboard in the cockpit??

Mark,
Storm Petrel (14HP Yanmar inboard)