CONTINUOUSWAVE

Hello. I have an admirable 15-foot Boston Whaler RAGE boat. I pulled its [inboard jet] engine, and I want to install an outboard engine. I reinforced the transom with one-inch plywood, and I used fiberglasss mat stringers to support the transom--very sturdy. I'm installing aluminum plate on exterior stern of the hull and bolting the outboard bracket tothat plate with stainless steel bolts through the hull and into the plywood on the interior of the stern.

I want to use a jack plate with a ten-inch setback. It should work fine because the aluminum plate gives rigidity, along with the bolts and the one-inch fiberglass-reinforced plywood and stringers.

I'm only putting a 50-HP four-stroke-power-cycle engine on the stern. My wife and I aren't doing any waterskiing. This boat will be used for whale and bird watching.

I know this topic was discussed years ago, but I would like some new input.

Thanks,
Bob

Bob -

Have you already reviewed the threads by Scott (Sraab928)?

Bob, it may be too late, but if not, you may wish to consider using Coosa board or one of the other composites for the transom; plywood will eventually rot.

Regarding the motor and the setback jack plate, my one concern would be how might the weight of the outboard and its location affect the static and dynamic trim. You won't be able to check the dynamic trim until you get the motor on there, but you could mock up a setback bracket of the proper size, and add weight to simulate the motor you'll be using, and see how it floats. If you bolt the mockup to the transom using the standard BIAA pattern you won't have to drill any extra holes.

Flymo

Here is a link to a number of prior threads on this topic in which Scott posted some comments:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&biw=&bih=&q=site%3Acontinuouswave.com%2Fubb%2FForum3&q=Sraab928+RAGE&btnG=Google+Search

I was just given a 1995 Rage 15 after having had other Boston Whaler boats. The 1995 Rage 15 is in outstanding shape after having been neglected for seven years. I just learned that the OMC 115 engine is dead, so I am going with an outboard. Is a 90-HP or 115-HP good?

I appreciate reading about the other experiences in the conversion that I will have to address.

Here is one of the many threads with a link to photos.

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/011418.html

Scott is considered by many to be one of the conversion guru's.

Good afternoon fellas. So pretty much the same ole ‘song and dance’ - recently purchased a 94 Rage with a blown powerhead (still has jet drive in hull; in perfect condition), and I’m wanting to go forward with the outboard conversion. I’m probably going to receive some backlash for asking this but...has anyone considered just leaving the jet drive in hull and closing up all the ports with silicon/stainless fasteners? I realize it may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but from an operational perspective could this work? I’m assuming the grate opening on the bottom of the drive would create some adverse drag?

Not saying this is the avenue I’m going to take, but I have not seen any similar posts in the past so I think it’s worth starting a conversation. Any ‘constructive’ feedback would be greatly appreciated!