[rsuarez]

Hello all,

I have just brought a 1996 21ft. Shabah in need of repower. I will be grtting it this weekend. However this is where I can use some help; it does not have the motor or outdrive. There is a big hole there where the outdrive would be at. I need to take it of one trailer and put it on my trailer (no not at the marina where they have boat lifts that would be to easy) it will be at a boat ramp. When I was there I forgot to get to size of the opening, so I am wondering of anybody know how big it is? I want to cut out some plywood for each side with a couple of bolts that I can sandwich together so that water won't flood it.

Thank you in advance
Robert

[ShabahZ280]

Wow, that's quite a project! Unfortunately there's different measurements for each engine and outdrive, so it's hard to tell exactly unless you knew what it was originally powered with. It's probably best for you to measure it actually on the boat. Is the transom bracket still attached, or is it just a plain hole in the fiberglass?

What are you repowering with? Definitely keep us all updated, and take lots of pics, if you can!

[rsuarez]

Well it’s just a hole. I guess I will cut few different sizes of plywood. I am looking to repower it with a 350 or a 454 but I am not sure if the 454 will work with the outdrive or of the boat can handle that. I will post some pictures as soon as I can.

Thanks
Robert

[180diablo]

Hmmm .. my first question would be .. how is the hull? Has it been surveyed? and it is worth the $$$ to put in a repower engine/sterndrive? If the boat has been loved (which all Mariahs should be) then you might be ok, but if it has been neglected you might be into stuff like floors/transom or wood rot? Unless wood was eliminated from the construction in the 96 model year?

I see how you are trying to go about in swapping the boat from trailer to trailer .. but ... floating a boat w/o the sterndrive in place. That sounds a bit risky.

There is an easier/safer way.... arrange three sets of wood blocks to support the hull and slowly back the boat off the trailer onto the blocks and then once that trailer is free, move yours in and slowly get it onto your trailer.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=216430

Found this post for ya on Iboats There are other posts from I think one of the mods on that page, but a quick search .. thats what I found to help you out.

[MariahShabah3.0]

If you are uncomfortable with just the plywood, which should be fine, get your hands on a portable bilge and dropit in the engine compartment so long as there is power by the launch. The wood should stop the mass flood of water.

Good Luck!


Mariahshabah3.0

[KSP181]

I would check the local boat shops to see if they have a lift and can assist in the transfer. Most places that work on boats have a way to lift them off the trailer.

[moondance100]

Are you just doing a quick on and off to change trailers? If so, that plywood should be ok if you get a halfway decent seal. I wouldn’t leave it there for long and I certainly wouldn’t leave it unattended!

As far as repower, in that boat, I'd stick with a small block and an alpha outdrive. I’m not sure, but I don’t think a big block/bravo combo was available in that boat. A 300 horse small block would move that boat around quite nicely. Good luck and post some pics!

[Z 202]

Originally Posted by moondance100

As far as repower, in that boat, I'd stick with a small block and an alpha outdrive. I’m not sure, but I don’t think a big block/bravo combo was available in that boat. A 300 horse small block would move that boat around quite nicely. Good luck and post some pics!

Agreed. I have the 5.7L (350 ci) motor and the alpha 1 in my 20' Shabah. Plenty of power.

[mikeyt]

I'll 'third' that one. The 5.7 & Alpha 1 would be the best & most reliable way to go.

[indykoch]

I'll "fourth" that! My 21' Shabah with a 350 Mag 300hp scoots quite well. The big block might not even fit, and I'm sure would cost considerably more.

Now let me rest for a while... I just told someone to be more conservative and not go all out for the highest power possible. I may not be feeling all that well!!!