Anybody done one? I have a 17 ft aluminum Starcraft I was thinking about converting. I’ve read it is very expensive and time consuming.
What size and brand of engine?
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
It’s a 25 Johnson. The motor doesn’t run so I’ve even thought about just getting a non tiller motor and buying the linkage for that. Not sure what is wrong with the motor because everything is in Ohio at my uncle in laws farm. It’s all free though so I can’t complain about that.
Sorry. There is really no good way to convert that engine to a console control. Not today. It “could” be done but probably not economically feasible. The steering is made for cables and pulleys. Does anybody still make those? I don’t think so. It can accept remote throttle and shift cables and it could be done, but the cost for a pulley and cable steering head and system, plus the cost of the throttle box, shift and throttle cable would far exceed the worth of the engine. See the hole in the shift lever? It has to have a cable run to it also.
Jeez, they don’t make those engines like they used to. That one is from the early 1970s. I had one just like it, in the 1970s 
Boat looks great, but maybe it’s time to upgrade the engine.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
I was thinking the same thing. I will probably just put a newer tiller motor on it. Thanks for the info Larry.
we have done them, but you NEED a donor motor that has all the parts
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When you say a donor motor you mean a motor that comes with throttle controls and steering linkage? If I had all that basically the only thing else I would need is a fabricaed steering console and wheel. I was looking to make this into a side console. The boat is free but I also don’t want to spend too much money on this project. My next question is motor size. If I did end up converting this to a side console, do you think a 40 hp would be too much motor?
I think your best bet is to go to a boat salvage yard and find what you need and make an offer! I’ve found a tresure trove of usefull items at a boatyard in the upstate! I’m sure there is one close to you. I found a 20’ trihull Glass master there 25 years ago that I use every week striper fishing.
keep your eyes open on craigslist. You might catch a side console on there. And Johnsonrude 20-35’s like that pop up all the time. It’s a great motor. But you should be able to use yours. You may only need the brackets that hold the shift and throttle cables plus the controls and console. With steering cable of course. Hard to see in the pics, but you may need a tilt tube for the steering to go thru.
I would suggest finding out if your motor is salvageable before going too far.
If you’re not mechanically inclined, I’d suggest getting something that already works and is setup the way you want it.
If you can tinker, you have a nice boat to start with. but that trailer won’t last in the salt. It looks like it’s painted steel.
Are you on James Island? When you get the boat to your house, Send me a PM. I have a couple of those motors ranging from complete to in boxes. I may have what you need. I have a tilt tube and may have the cable brackets too.
10% of the people catch 90% of the fish.
Thanks for all the solid replies. I am somewhat mechanically inclined but have friends who very good with motors and such. SSFiero, you just described my daily routine. Get on Craigslist and search the for sale ads. I have not totally committed to this boat. Basically if I do not find anything similar or better than the StarCraft before January then I will probably just take the free boat and do what I need to get it like I want. I will keep your offer in mind, thanks.
TO DO THIS JOB, YOU MUST REMOVE THE POWEHEAD, AND CHANGE OUT THE SWIVEL BRACKET, AND MAYBE THE THE LOWER COWLING.
ITS BEEN 5 OR 6 YEARS SINCE WE DID THE LAST ONE, AND I DONT REMEMBER WHAT ELSE HAD TO BE CHANGED.
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