How to Convert a V-Drive Hydro to Outboard Power

V-drive hydro boats are aptly named for a shallow hull and an inverted V configuration above the propeller shaft. The shaft passes through a watertight port in the hull and connects to an inboard engine. The engine and transmission occupy a lot of space inside the boat. You can increase space and retain the performance of the V-drive hydro hull by converting to outboard power. The job requires mechanical aptitude, shop tools and the outboard engine and parts obtainable at marine service centers. The conversion is performed with the boat on a trailer.

Things You'll Need

  • Sockets and ratchet
  • Open-end wrenches
  • Engine hoist
  • Hoisting chain
  • Trailer dolly
  • Stuffing plug
  • Hull plugs and adhesive
  • Outboard motor bracket
  • Outboard motor
  • Power drill
  • Drill bit
  • Marine sealant
  • Steering arm bracket
Show More

Instructions

  1. Engine Removal

    • 1

      Disconnect the battery cables at the battery. Remove the cable stays for the throttle and transmission cables at the engine compartment.

    • 2

      Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. Disconnect the throttle cable linkage at the carburetor. Disconnect the transmission cable linkage at the transmission. Move the fuel line and cables away from the engine. The steering cables and stays remain.

    • 3

      Detach the ignition wires, fuel pump wires and instrument gauge wires that lead from the engine to the main electrical block at the engine compartment.

    • 4

      Loosen and remove the bell housing bolts at the transmission-engine connection. Remove the bolts at the propeller shaft coupler on the back of the transmission. Detach the coupler from the end of the propeller shaft.

    • 5

      Move the back of the boat. Loosen and remove the bolts that secure the rudder assembly at the underside of the hull. Lower the rudder shaft out of its mount and remove the assembly. Pull the drive shaft and attached propeller out of the hull and the mount at the underside of the hull. Remove the mount from the underside of the hull.

    • 6

      Loosen and remove the motor mount bolts at the underside of the engine in the engine compartment. Position the arm of an engine hoist above the engine. Remove an intake manifold bolt at the right end left side of the manifold. Use the bolts to attach the ends of a hoisting chain to the manifold.

    • 7

      Hook the middle of the chain onto the hook at the hoisting arm. Hoist the engine until the underside of the oil pan is above the transom, or back of the boat.

    • 8

      Connect a trailer dolly at the trailer hitch. Move the boat forward and clear of the engine with the dolly. Depending on the available equipment, mount the engine on an engine stand or load it into the bed of a truck.

    • 9

      Fit a stuffing plug into the port at the underside of the hull where the drive shaft was removed. Tighten the nut on the plug securely. Seal the bolt holes where the drive shaft mount and rudder assembly were removed with hull plugs and the provided adhesive.

    Outboard Installation

    • 10

      Position the flanges of an outboard motor bracket against the outside of the transom and center it each way. The tops of the flanges must be below the upper support rail at the inside face of the transom to allow full penetration of the attachment bolts. Mark the outer face of the transom at the locations of the machined holes in the bracket.

    • 11

      Set up a power drill with the appropriate size drill bit for the machined holes. Drill the transom at the marked locations.

    • 12

      Apply a uniform coating of marine sealant on the inner face of the bracket. Align the holes and insert the provided bolts through the bracket and fully through the transom. Complete the attachment at the inside of the transom with the provided washers and nuts on each bolt. Tighten the nuts securely.

    • 13

      Lift the outboard engine onto the mount at the bracket. Remove the cover. Connect the original fuel line from the fuel tank to the fitting on the carburetor.

    • 14

      Swivel the motor, as necessary, so it's shaft and rudder align with the center line of the hull. Position the end of the outboard motor steering arm at the center of the boat’s steering arm. Attach the motor arm to the steering arm with the provided bracket. Reattach the motor cover and reconnect the battery cables to the battery.