Hey all,
I just bought a
Formosa sea tiger. Included with the
sale was a running, but not installed,
penta md2b. I have literally zero interest in using this
engine for many various reasons, and want to convert to
electric propulsion. As far as I can tell, the
md2b produces a max of 51.08yadayada ft/lbs of thrust at maximum rpms.
I have a 55ft/lbs rated minnkota trolling
motor laying about (I use it as the primary on my little john
boat when taking the
kids fishing on inland lakes).
I want to remove the existing prop/shaft assemblage, seal it up, and install the minnkota in such a way as so the "pod" of the
motor sits pretty much right were the prop & shaft are now, between the
rudder and the trailing end of the
keel. There are adequate clearances.
I am planning (tentatively) to take the motor/prop "pod" off the shaft, drill a vertical hole large enough for the shaft to pass through from the bottom of the transom locker (lazerette?), stick the top end w/ shaft through the hole, and reattach the motor "pod" in its intended place.
This way I avoid
cooling issues, as the motor is intended to be submerged. I also avoid any problems that may arise from the increased drivetrain weight of a direct shaft drive option (utilizing the existing shaft/prop), such as bearing or bushing wear.
The throttle would only be accessible from inside the transom locker, but I can deal with that for now. Later on I could remove the control
head and lengthen
wiring to a new throttle lever (6-way
electrical switch near the
wheel perhaps) without removing any previously done
work.
Does this idea hit any snags I've not forseen? What does everyone think about this plan? What would be the optimum procedure for sealing the hole where the shaft passes downward (solid fiberglass)?