Spectra 18' w/ outdrive

[bigboy308]

Has anyone ever seen an 18' (or 19', for that matter) with an outdrive? I have seen a couple of pix of 18's w/ Vee-drive, but never an outdrive.

Other than the obvious of filling a couple of fairly LARGE holes and adding some beef to the transom, is there anything else? Obviously, steering, electric, etc.

Is there any work that would have to be done to the bottom? Any rocker to remove or add? I've read elsewhere that there are considerable differences in hulls (by others) that have different propulsion's. i.e., notching the bottom for cav plate, rockers, etc. It seems that an outdrive would alleviate a lot of these problems. Cavitation plates could be bolted to the transom a la K-Planes, I'd think.

Are there any fundamental differences in the Spectra 20' hull using a jet over one using a Vee-Drive or an outdrive? I've seen a few 20's with 260 outdrives mounted, some Vee-Drive models, too.

I have noticed that many of the Australian ski races use semi-vees with outdrives and reaching some phenomenal speeds. I'm not looking for any speeds like they're running, but---- I just can't accept the fact of something other than a propeller pushing a boat.

Just thinking---Probably get way in over one's head trying to re-invent the steel ball. Ideas and thoughts positive AND negative appreciated.
THANX!

[RiverDave]

I think I saw a 19 with an outdrive once.. It had this big funky plate sticking up out the back of it so the outdrive would fit.. LOL Hauled ass though if memory serves.

RD

[RiverDave]

Has anyone ever seen an 18' (or 19', for that matter) with an outdrive? I have seen a couple of pix of 18's w/ Vee-drive, but never an outdrive.

Other than the obvious of filling a couple of fairly LARGE holes and adding some beef to the transom, is there anything else? Obviously, steering, electric, etc.

Is there any work that would have to be done to the bottom? Any rocker to remove or add? I've read elsewhere that there are considerable differences in hulls (by others) that have different propulsion's. i.e., notching the bottom for cav plate, rockers, etc. It seems that an outdrive would alleviate a lot of these problems. Cavitation plates could be bolted to the transom a la K-Planes, I'd think.

Are there any fundamental differences in the Spectra 20' hull using a jet over one using a Vee-Drive or an outdrive? I've seen a few 20's with 260 outdrives mounted, some Vee-Drive models, too.

I have noticed that many of the Australian ski races use semi-vees with outdrives and reaching some phenomenal speeds. I'm not looking for any speeds like they're running, but---- I just can't accept the fact of something other than a propeller pushing a boat.

Just thinking---Probably get way in over one's head trying to re-invent the steel ball. Ideas and thoughts positive AND negative appreciated.
THANX!

BTW the fast ass Ausie boats are deep vee's I don't think they are semi Vee's at all.

RD

[Full Pull]

19 w/ small block and outdrive...

[RiverDave]

Looks like it'd be hard to get a good x dimension.

Bitchen looking boat though!

RD

[Riverbound]

that looks like it could be a really fun project.

[RiverDave]

It does look pretty cool doesn't it.. :D

RD

[Flat Broke]

I dunno about that. It seems like a lot of weight hanging off the back of an already pretty low freeboard setup. And as indicated it looks like you'd never be able to get a decently high X dimension so that you weren't dragging a ton of metal under the boat. Now a surface drive...:hmm

Chris

[RiverDave]

I dunno about that. It seems like a lot of weight hanging off the back of an already pretty low freeboard setup. And as indicated it looks like you'd never be able to get a decently high X dimension so that you weren't dragging a ton of metal under the boat. Now a surface drive...:hmm

Chris


I was thinking if you could find one of those old black hawk drives or something.. :D I agree with the weight thing, but a blown small block or something..

I just like the looks of the boat qutie a bit. :D

RD

[Flat Broke]

Don't get me wrong Dave, I like the look of the boat too. Ty's old 19 is one of my favorite boats period. I'm not an outdrive guy, but is there even an upper/lower combo that would keep the propshaft within 5" of the keel on that setup? I'd just think that with a relatively light boat, you could afford to run semi-surface piercing setup and get rid of tons of drag (if you can get a short enough drive).

I have a soft spot for the 19s; if I ever built a two seater, that's probably what I'd do.

Out of curiosity, how well do the GMTs with a 300X move out?

Chris

[BajaMike]

I would put an outboard on a hydraulic jack plate......lot's less weight and it doesnt take up any room in the boat...easy to adjust proper height for best speed and conditions, and great speed.

:thumbsup:party2:

[RiverDave]

Don't get me wrong Dave, I like the look of the boat too. Ty's old 19 is one of my favorite boats period. I'm not an outdrive guy, but is there even an upper/lower combo that would keep the propshaft within 5" of the keel on that setup? I'd just think that with a relatively light boat, you could afford to run semi-surface piercing setup and get rid of tons of drag (if you can get a short enough drive).

I have a soft spot for the 19s; if I ever built a two seater, that's probably what I'd do.

Out of curiosity, how well do the GMTs with a 300X move out?

Chris

Never been in one with a 300X.. I'd bet they'd run pretty good though, but they'd be tail heavy..

H20's boat has an older 2.4 on it.. It'll run a legit 62 - 65mph all day long.. His boat was originally laid up to be a v-drive though so it is beyond heavy.. That little boat is fuckin amazing in rough water though, I'm not kidding.

His GMT rides better then any Spectra / Howard 20 I've been in.. Can't explain it, it just does. I think it rode better in rough water before he changed what was supposed to be the blast plate underneath it though.. The original had a bend in it to add "hook." I think he got some more top end out of it with the changes, but before that thing could run through just about anything without beating the shit out of you..

RD

[Halvecto]

That looks like a Volvo 280/290 painted black.