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Old 25-01-2025, 08:02   #1
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Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

Since it's real winter here in Ontario I'm taking the opportunity to bring my Walker Bay8 into my kitchen and do some styrofoam-epoxy-fiberglass mods to it. To use the motor which was a little heavy for the dingy I had to carry a heavy steel weight in the bow. I can't test it out till the ice thaws, (late March likely) but this is what I have so far. I did sand the polypropylene surfaces first with very course sand paper and will ad a few small bolts because the bond with epoxy and poly is not good but it still takes a fair pressure to separate it. I'm designing it so it doesn't depend on the bond.
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Old 25-01-2025, 08:37   #2
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

What is your overall goal? I have a Walker Bay 8, it's tippy and very unstable with a 2 HP outboard. At best its a displacement row boat.
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Old 25-01-2025, 08:45   #3
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

It fits on the front of my Alberg and I can get it on the deck by myself. I like to be independant but I do appreciate help. I just don't count on it. Yes they are a great little row boat, but I found myself fighting wind a lot the motor was awsome but the boat wasn't quite up to it. I braced the floor as well to limit the "oil canning". Previously I only used blow up dingies from Wallmart. this was a big improvement on that. I could werite a book on my experiences with $50 blow up dingies. They served the purpose at the time. I like this little 8 footer I can lift it myself.
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Old 25-01-2025, 08:51   #4
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

I'm cossidering adding floats to the sides, because yes they are tippy. I filled the edges with blow in styro but that's not enough. just so it is still "nonsinkable" with the engine.
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Old 25-01-2025, 11:14   #5
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

I would perhaps reinforce the transom. Going to be a lot of stress there that it was not designed for. Perhaps bolting on an aluminum plate with rounded corners similar to what Portland pudgy uses for shot bc shaft conversion. If you have time move seat forward perhaps making a starboard plastic rail with notches that the seat can slot into on each side. Through bolt th rail. As for side floats why not use two 6 inch pvc pipes with caps on each end. You could test effectiveness by lashing some fenders in place first. Wouldn’t be pretty but would be relatively light. Look for a used Portland pudgy. Rows well and lasts forever. Very stable believe it can take up to 4 hp. I think it is around 115 lbs. not sure of that number. Got mine used with a 4 hp motor for $800. I just walked the docks until I saw one then knocked on boat and asked if they were interested in selling. Good luck
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Old 25-01-2025, 14:10   #6
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

Thanx. I do plan to reinforce the transom. trying to keep it where I can lift it. (I'm only 145 lbs) and thanx for the suggestions.
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Old 25-01-2025, 14:21   #7
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

Seems like they should be wider. Alternatively check out the unicat 2.4. a much better hard dink than a walker bay. I built the prototype 2.8m version and it's extremely stable for a hard dinghy that length. Have had a 15hp on it.
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Old 25-01-2025, 14:23   #8
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

Thanx will check that out.
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Old 25-01-2025, 14:26   #9
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

Basically I'm locked inside in winter and fixing things that have nothing wrong with them, but from the start with this dingy thought it had potential; and it does.
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Old 26-01-2025, 05:01   #10
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

Quote:
Originally Posted by Morris Wilson View Post
It fits on the front of my Alberg and I can get it on the deck by myself ...
Will it still fit, with the new transom extensions [& side floats]?
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Old 26-01-2025, 05:15   #11
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Re: Modifying a Walker Bay 8 to handle a 4hp Yammaha 4 stroke

I had a Walker Bay 8 just recently, I was going to use it as my tender in the Bahamas. But as noted it was too tippy, and getting into it from the water was not practical. I now have a Water Tender 9.4 which is much better. I use a 4-1 block and tackle to haul it up on the foredeck, it's not difficult.

But I had/have a Suzuki 2.5hp that worked great with the Walker Bay. It's 29lbs so easy to lift, and it was not too much weight in the transom.

I would have suggested trying a lighter motor first, but you're already past that point.

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