Cheap motors

[davebrown]

Salty Dogs:

I am getting ready to build a Payson's Diablo.

I have a new 10 horsepower motor sitting around that I bought for a project, but then didn't use.

It is a Briggs & Stratton sidemount lawnmower type motor that was originally purchased as an agricultural pump engine. It occured to me that it might be possible to use that to run a lightweight inboard shaft.

Has anyone experimented with running such a rig?

Are there any conversions or special gearing set-ups for use that way?

I recognize that there are times to save a buck and times to spend the dough. A good used motor will not set me back too much. But if there is an easy way to use the 10 horse that I already have, I will save about $450.

What thinks you men?

[John Bell]

Dunno if this helps, but Diablo really ought to have about 20-25 HP. Unless you are a real scrounge, you'll spend as much on running gear to convert the Briggs as you would on a decnt used outboard. I just sold a 25HP motor for not that much money recently, so they are out there.

JB

[Keith Wilson]

If it were me, I'd sell the thing on eBay (or locally, for that matter) to someone who needs a stationary engine, and buy an used outboard. Lots less hassle IMHO.

[JimConlin]

Before you use this engine in a small boat, I suggest that you start it and sit next to it for an hour. If it still sounds OK, that means you've been made deaf and should use the motor.

To me these engines are intolerably noisy.

[Russell Sova]

In the back of each issue of Boatbuilder Magazine is an ad stating "Cheap Power Today". I never bought the plans but they are for Briggs and Stanton type motors. The plans are $11.00 and claim you can build one from cheap local sources. If you want I can lug myself upstairs and get the ad.

[Wayne Jeffers]

Diablo is a narrow-bottomed, multi-chine planing hull designed for outboard power. I don't think you'd be happy with its performance with a 10hp inboard. I don't think it will plane with a 10hp inboard and it would make a poor displacement hull.

If I wanted to use that engine in a simple plywood boat, I would look to something more like a Carolina Dory Skiff (which might plane with that engine and the right reduction/prop combination) or one of John Gardner's simple skiffs with enough rocker to keep the transom out of the water.

Wayne