21 Schiada River Cruiser Conversion

[boa1277]

I have a 21ft Schiada River Cruiser that is currently a jet. I am contemplating converting it over to either a V-Drive or I/O. I am looking for the pros and cons of going either way. The fuel is killing me and I truly love the boat. I E-Mailed Lee at Schiada and he said it will involve a ton of glass work and may not be worth it. The boat has a ton of sentimental value and I really can never see me getting rid of it. I just want to make it a little more fuel efficient and hopefully a few miles per hour faster....

[Outnumbered]

I have a 21ft Schiada River Cruiser that is currently a jet. I am contemplating converting it over to either a V-Drive or I/O. I am looking for the pros and cons of going either way. The fuel is killing me and I truly love the boat. I E-Mailed Lee at Schiada and he said it will involve a ton of glass work and may not be worth it. The boat has a ton of sentimental value and I really can never see me getting rid of it. I just want to make it a little more fuel efficient and hopefully a few miles per hour faster....

Seems like a ton of money to spend to save on fuel. Just blueprint the jet, install a diverter, and call it good. Its a boat, not a Prius:D

[NASTYTOYSRACING01]

yey i got a 21 spectra that i was going to do ,a v-drive was around 20-25 grand to convert from jet to v-drive,and an out drive was 15 grand

[boa1277]

The boat is paid for and given my family over 30yrs of enjoyment. I figure a 20 to 25 grand retrofit is better than dropping 100+ on a new 21ft Schiada River Cruiser. The boat has been stored indoors and used lightly so it is still very sound, it just needs a new propulsion system since I really have no use for a 21ft Schiada Jet anymore...I also plan on new Gelcoat and a new set of seats while I am at it, oh yeah a new trailer is also on the horizon!

[Revndave]

The boat is paid for and given my family over 30yrs of enjoyment. I figure a 20 to 25 grand retrofit is better than dropping 100+ on a new 21ft Schiada River Cruiser. The boat has been stored indoors and used lightly so it is still very sound, it just needs a new propulsion system since I really have no use for a 21ft Schiada Jet anymore...I also plan on new Gelcoat and a new set of seats while I am at it, oh yeah a new trailer is also on the horizon!

Go for it:thumbsup

[Outnumbered]

If $20-25k is not an issue then the gas killing you is not really a problem. Make it a V-drive and you will get more return on investment. Not to mention, v-drive Schiadas are da shit:beer

Be sure to post pics. I would love to see them. Good luck:beer

[excelwelder]

I have a 21ft Schiada River Cruiser that is currently a jet. I am contemplating converting it over to either a V-Drive or I/O. I am looking for the pros and cons of going either way. The fuel is killing me and I truly love the boat. I E-Mailed Lee at Schiada and he said it will involve a ton of glass work and may not be worth it. The boat has a ton of sentimental value and I really can never see me getting rid of it. I just want to make it a little more fuel efficient and hopefully a few miles per hour faster....

For that kind of money in this time with people hurting for cash you could keep the boat you have and find a nice v drive or o/d

[RiverDave]

For that kind of money in this time with people hurting for cash you could keep the boat you have and find a nice v drive or o/d

I agree...

RD

[boa1277]

For that kind of money in this time with people hurting for cash you could keep the boat you have and find a nice v drive or o/d

Do you think I could find a really nice V-Drive No motor, with New Gel Coat, New Interiour, New Trailer, for around 30grand....I have a 650hp Pro Charged Small Block sitting in the garage. If that is the case then I am going to start looking. This is what I want. It seems like everytime I look for 21 Rivercruiser V-Drives that are in good shape I see a price tag of 40+ I have a motor so that doesnt count but all the other stuff does.

[excelwelder]

Do you think I could find a really nice V-Drive No motor, with New Gel Coat, New Interiour, New Trailer, for around 30grand....I have a 650hp Pro Charged Small Block sitting in the garage. If that is the case then I am going to start looking. This is what I want. It seems like everytime I look for 21 Rivercruiser V-Drives that are in good shape I see a price tag of 40+ I have a motor so that doesnt count but all the other stuff does.

there is a lot of nice stuff out there just keep looking and get the word out .So many people re-fied and took cash to buy toys ,Now that they cant pay the bills they are selling what they can, alot of toys that they have the pink slips for

[NASTYTOYSRACING01]

there is a lot of nice stuff out there just keep looking and get the word out .So many people re-fied and took cash to buy toys ,Now that they cant pay the bills they are selling what they can, alot of toys that they have the pink slips for

i agree ive seen alot of v-drive cruisers around on web sites with blower motors 4 30-35 grand,but theres nothing like building your own,its the tast u have in your mouth that counts,go under jets and my build is under 21 spectra build,i have a few pics up good luck with yours

[Nailhead]

You could always look into R&D marines dual jet conversion. It would keep the cost down compared to a v-drive or I/O.

[FrznJim]

You can buy our 91 Schiada 21RC for 30grand less motor and trans, or you can have it with the 1050 hp Gentry twin turbo motor for 45. Gel is first class, triple axle trailer, new gauges, nice interior with rear bench seat, new floors (was all open stringer), and new IMCO thru hull exhaust. Reason we're selling: Schiada is building us a new one.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2421Picture_005-med.jpg

[BadBlown572]

There are a lot of factors that you will have to look into. The boat will have to be completely de-rigged and the transom will have to come out of the boat. At that point in time, they will have to install an I/O transom. Most Jet boats have a transom that is approximately 1" thick. I/O's will have a 3-4" transom on them. Once that is done, you will have to buy a gimbal, Outdrive, prop, external steering, etc... If I had to guess, this is what it would cost to convert it (Less engine).

Glass work - $3,000-4,000
HD Gimbal (w/ trim pump) - $3,500.00
XR Drive - $7,500.00
External Steering - $4,500.00
Prop - $500.00
Misc Parts - $1,500-$2,000
Labor to de-rig & Re-rig - $2,500-$4k


You could probably do it cheaper if you are willing to go with cheap parts and/or used equipment, but I would not recommend going that route. Once this is complete you will have to address your motor. Exhaust, raw water pump, bell housing, coupler, etc... Plan on dropping another $3k-$7k to convert a long blocked motor to an I/O equipped motor. A good set of exhaust alone will be in the $3k range (if you don't already have it).

It is definitely possible to do, but you will have to figure out what it is worth to do an I/O conversion. I would say that a V-drive conversion would be double what an I/O conversion costs.

[sandracer]

You can buy our 91 Schiada 21RC for 30grand less motor and trans, or you can have it with the 1050 hp Gentry twin turbo motor for 45. Gel is first class, triple axle trailer, new gauges, nice interior with rear bench seat, new floors (was all open stringer), and new IMCO thru hull exhaust. Reason we're selling: Schiada is building us a new one.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2421Picture_005-med.jpg


im new to this forum but would like to see some pics of ur boat
i might be interested in it if the wify is able to see pics

also sent u a pm

thx
steve

[PinkTaco]

Come on Boa you know this has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. You just want a V-drive so you can be one of the cool kids at the River! :beer

Besides you have Harris' boat for looking cool.... and going fast :thumbsup

Just kidding...If you find someone to do the transom let me know and we can take both our boats in for a volume discount:D

[old man on the lake]

Boa1277 check out my Raysoncraft 21. You could buy this boat very right.These are very fast hulls and they turn better than a Schiada.

[PinkTaco]

I doubt you would get Boa to give up his Schiada. It was passed down from his dad. But Raysoncrafts are cool too :beer

[atomickitn]

Come on Boa you know this has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. You just want a V-drive so you can be one of the cool kids at the River! :beer

Besides you have Harris' boat for looking cool.... and going fast :thumbsup

Just kidding...If you find someone to do the transom let me know and we can take both our boats in for a volume discount:D

hey Pink taco.... we can perform this task with ease.. and much success.. give me a shout ... I promise it wont be painful as some have spelled out.. the glass guys we have in our shop ( Dana Boats ) have been building boats and doing repairs and restorations for nearly 30 years.. give me a ring I can and will help you out.. Bobby

[Skee]

I have a 21ft Schiada River Cruiser that is currently a jet. I am contemplating converting it over to either a V-Drive or I/O. I am looking for the pros and cons of going either way. The fuel is killing me and I truly love the boat. I E-Mailed Lee at Schiada and he said it will involve a ton of glass work and may not be worth it. The boat has a ton of sentimental value and I really can never see me getting rid of it. I just want to make it a little more fuel efficient and hopefully a few miles per hour faster....

My advice on this issue...Call Tom or Josh at www.jetboatperformance.com and see what they say...:D

[rivergames]

Do you think I could find a really nice V-Drive No motor, with New Gel Coat, New Interiour, New Trailer, for around 30grand....I have a 650hp Pro Charged Small Block sitting in the garage. If that is the case then I am going to start looking. This is what I want. It seems like everytime I look for 21 Rivercruiser V-Drives that are in good shape I see a price tag of 40+ I have a motor so that doesnt count but all the other stuff does.

Seriosuly, there are times i wish i didnt take a loan out for a new motorcycle. There are many good deals on schiada's right now. $30,000 can get you a CLEAN schiada w/ a nice motor.

[AZLineman]

I want a 21RC jet to keep my v-drive company. My wife likes jets and wants me to get one soon.

[Wheeler]

I have recently been told that my boat started life as a Schiada Jet boat.

[pixrthis]

I have recently been told that my boat started life as a Schiada Jet boat.

This boat belonged to a friend of mine and he converted it from a jet to a V-drive. I was told that the it's a Schiada bottom that Brent Leach put a Eliminator deck on. Have no idea if that's true but I can tell you that no expense was spared when converting it into a V-drive. It did run nose heavy after the conversition and my friend sold it after rolling it over at Castaic.

[Wheeler]

This boat belonged to a friend of mine and he converted it from a jet to a V-drive. I was told that the it's a Schiada bottom that Brent Leach put a Eliminator deck on. Have no idea if that's true but I can tell you that no expense was spared when converting it into a V-drive. It did run nose heavy after the conversition and my friend sold it after rolling it over at Castaic.

I have been meaning to call your friend about the boat, is he still the owner of Burbank fence company?

[pixrthis]

I have been meaning to call your friend about the boat, is he still the owner of Burbank fence company?

Yes he does and he'll be able to answer any questions you have. He also had that trailer built at the same time and spared no expense on it as well. Where do you use the boat?

[AZLineman]

That deck is a cut down Elim 24 ski-racer and it sure looks like a Schiada bottom to me. Like to see more pics of it. Its kinda fugly, but I dig it. Is it for sale?

[djunkie]

This boat belonged to a friend of mine and he converted it from a jet to a V-drive. I was told that the it's a Schiada bottom that Brent Leach put a Eliminator deck on. Have no idea if that's true but I can tell you that no expense was spared when converting it into a V-drive. It did run nose heavy after the conversition and my friend sold it after rolling it over at Castaic.

I've driven that boat and yes it did run very bow heavy. Got a little spooky at higher speeds.

[AZLineman]

Is it for sale? Details?