Repower options for 1978 250 Flybridge

[BoatNut]

Anyone out there have advice/warnings re: repowering this old boat. I bought her 3 years ago (for my dad to fish the Gulf -- SW FL) with the original 318 and low hours, but time and use has taken its toll. I like the lines & layout, the hull's in great shape, and now that my Dad bought himself a newer outboard powered boat she's mine again.

I'm thinking diesel either keeping the inboard set-up or switching to a jackshaft stern drive configuration.

Any thoughts (other than "why?")

[mongo75]

Well, if you are determined to put a diesel on a 25' boat, and you got the money go for it. I couldn't afford a diesel but got a sick deal on a rebuilt 0 hrs Chrysler 440, 72C, and walter v-drive ($3300) But you could go with either a Yanmar or Volvo 6 cyl and do either. I normally don't advocate the purchase of foreign stuff, but the Cummins B6 is just too tall to fit in your space without an engine box (although it is less expensive overall) Depends on how much you have to spend and what kinda time you have on your hands. It would be easier and cheaper to just drop an engine into your existing drive system. Also in the long run inboards are cheaper albeit not as manueverable. HOWEVER, if you have again the time and money, you could run a jackshaft to an outdrive (Volvo douprop being a popular choice). If you are mechanically inclined, you could do it all yourself. I installed an OMC Cobra drive in my last boat, which I rebuilt the cockpit from scratch. As long as you take the time to measure once, twice, hell three times, you will save thousands doing it yourself. Let me know if you have any questions- mongo75@aol.com.