1984 24ft tournament

M

mikimon

Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I bought a 1984 24 ft tournament, with the original twin omc seadrives.
Was planning on putting a 250 yamaha mounted on an armstrong bracket , swim platform.
Now i am being told that the transom is shot.
My question is this , since this model year had the option of an l/O, is it crazy for me to look into the feasibilty to convert from sea drives to single I/O set up.
Better yet has anyone seen this done or have done so them selves.
A yes answer will lead to a few more questions.
Thank you

Mike

mikimon 2 Oct Sun 27, 2013 9:39 am
 
Given how the boat is set up now it would require some modifications to the aft deck. you will also have to glass in a set of stringers for the engine to mount to unless you plan to modify the stringers that are there. I just had the transom done on my sailfish and it does sting a little price wise but it was definitely worth it to replace and repower. you could easily replace the transom and go with a single used 250 and not brake the bank. what did you pay for the boat? did you have it surveyed?
 
I agree with 255 and I am an I/O guy. If you had an I/O already rebuilding the transom and installing a new I/O would be a good way to go. With your boat already equipped with sea drives the bracket and OB appears IMO to be a better choice. You would have a lot of work to make the cockpit I/O ready, you need to create motor mounts and alter your stern cockpit with an engine cover etc. Doable but more work than a bracket. Either option you are going to have to rebuild the transom. If the boat is sound otherwise go with the bracket-OB option. Is it something you can do yourself? When I had mine repowered the transom was rebuilt and they stripped the transom from the inside leaving the outer skin. You will still have some holes to fill from the sea drives again not a deal breaker.
 
Thank you for the replies.
I do know that the transom repairs , then add the bracket is the easiest option.
This what I was thinking cost wise of each option
 
I'm inclined to agree with others that building an I/O out of an previously outboard powered boat could be complicated. You would have to build mounting stands and reinforce hull in engine bilge area, possibly add stringers, relocate fuel cell, plus a host of balance/angles and structural problems could arise. If you are serious, you should speak to someone or business that build boats. Keep in mind that, after all this work you will end up with a 1984 boat that has been modified from original. You would also need a donor boat for I/O parts, because if you have to purchase each and every I/O part new, it will be extremely expensive, and you will quickly become overinvested in this boat.

As far as repairing/rebuilding the transom, I documented the transom rebuild on my 22' Grady a few years ago. Here's a link to the work involved, and how I went about doing it. The first 3 or 4 pages covers the transom rebuild, and this is just one way to go about doing it. Forum that this thread is on is actually a boat building forum, and you may want to ask about your I/O conversion there because most of the members there are boat builders and know their stuff. Just my opinion. Mike

http://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=19949
 
Ok , just left the boat at glass shop.
We are going to cut away rotted section of transom to see how extensive a repair it is to be.
Once that is done and l am comfortable with putting an Armstrong brackett, l will be ready for the summer.
I hope.
New question, once i add the extra length to the boat with new bracket , will it change the way the boat rides/ handles. Other than having to trim it down more , any other changes?
just think, this is all because l am done with getting soaked on my center console, will l ever learn?????
 
given that you had sea drives on the back you may actually end up floating higher at the transom because of the lighter materials. Are you planning to go with a single or a twin set up? if you are concerned with weight and attitude of the boat you can always add floatation inside the brackets to offset the difference. IMO you will want to have the tanks inspected before you go any further because if they are like mine they will be at the end of their life. it would be easier to have them built while the boat is being repaired vs when you go to rig the new motors on it and then find a problem.... the initial quotes and work needing to be done may seem overwhelming but the end product is worth it.
 
Single engine . 250 4 stroke. Thats what I am looking for now.
I have another GW with a 250 HPDI, if I dont find an engine.
But then I will have a hard time selling that boat.
I just hope dumping thjis much into the tournament will give me a nice riding boat.
I will be using mostly to go back and forth to fire island , great south bay chop.
But in the fall , out to Montauk to fish.
Thank you all
 
You might call Grady and see if they will offer any info on handling etc. with a bracket. I'm not sure your hull or somethimg similar was offered with a Grady Drive.
 
I have a 25 sailfish and regularly take it out into the sound there. handles the confused chop and ocean swell real well. you will be happy with it, have yet to be in conditions where i thought the boat was overwhelmed.
 
I have a 1983 Tournament 245 that used to have a Grady Drive. This design had a bracket that the outboard sat on and the motor tilted up inside of the full transom. That bracket was removed and a Grady Bracket was installed. They hung a 225 Mercury on it and that is how is was when I bought it. We are looking to move up to a four stroke 250 soon. This set up works very well. Lots of floor space to fish. Boat handles fine. That motor sure loves gas. Good luck with your project.
If you like I can email you some pics.
jack
 
are you referring to a omc sea drive or the grady bracket because i believe that both were options on that model for the year
 
OMC SEA DRIVES i already have them off , holes being closed up now. i am ordering the armstrong swim oplatform / bracket next week.
only thing up in the air is, do i cannibalize my 24 fisherman , 250 hpdi or do i continue to look for a used 250 four stroke.
no matter what , at this point i am into this boat for a decent amount of money . i sure as heck hope i like the ride of this boat.
mike
 
Yes GW 255 it was a Sea Drive that I was referring to.
Mikimon, I would go with the 250 4 stroke. You can get the prints for the fuel tanks from the Grady White site. I had the small forward 55 gal tank replaced and the costs was $470 to have it made.
With 150 gals of fuel and a four stroke you will have a very nice range to go offshore.
Good luck with the project.
 
Thank yoy , happy summer coming soon
 

Attachments

  • 2012-08-07 20.15.35.jpg
    2012-08-07 20.15.35.jpg
    2.3 MB · Views: 3,611
Given the weight of the boat and what you had on there before for power i would think a 4S 250 would feel a little faster for sure but the HPDI would def add some punch to the holeshot. i was dealing with the same brain teaser as well and opted to go with a 2S Etec 300 at a price i couldnt turn down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.