I have an O'Day 28 with a 15HP OMB Zephyr Saildrive. I am researching repowering, and have seen a lot about the beta's.
I have some assumptions I want to check :).
1. I *assume* its easier to repower with the saildrive beta, as they is already a great big hole in the hull to take advantage of. Moving to a shaft drive would mean glassing that hole up and making new ones for the shaft?
2. I assume that i would have to buy the whole beta saildrive unit, i.e. I could not just stick the beta diesel onto my existing lower crankcase/prop.
3. I assume it does not fit the hole perfectly and there would be some re-glassing involved
Whichever route that you chose to take with your repower will involve some glass work. You will either be cutting and glassing in a new engine bed or you will be glassing (Epoxy?) some engine beds and a stern tube.
The saildrive will be less work (labor) which is why boatbuilders like them so much but is more expensive to buy than an engine with a regular transmission.
Hi Stanley, I have my S2 8.0B with OMC Zephyr Saildrive at Little Washington, NC. Does someone man the satellite office there
that could help me with repowering with your setup. I'll be pulling her out on Monday for service at Capt. Sam's boat yard. My number is 919-796-9194. Would be great to meet a rep while I'm there on Monday
Thank you
Tim Jurich