Inboards in smaller boats

[Bob Burgan]

I recently bought a 19ft Calkins Bartender. This boat is uaually powered by a 40 h.p. outboard in a motor well towards the back of the boat. I'm wondering if I could power this boat with an in-board. I know there are Volvos about this size . I s it possible to use a automobile engine for this purpose, perhaps a Subaru or a Honda. What are the problems associated with this type of conversion? For those who are not familiar with the Bartender, it is a double ended displacement hull design that the US Coastguard designed thier motor life boat after.There are several Bartender sites on Google....Thanks

[Spokaloo]

Bob, shes a planing hull, but double ended is correct.

Check with Bill Childs, he holds all of Mr Calkins' papers as to what can and cant be done. I know he has an inboard 19 in the books somewhere, as well as jet propelled ones, outboards, IO's, etc.

E

[Bob Burgan]

Shows I don't know a 'Hull of a lot' about hulls....Bob

[Spokaloo]

No worries, you will love the BT.

East coast or West?

E

[Peerie Maa]

I think that there was a Wooden Boat article about marinising a Subaru flat 4, replacing the injection system with a carb.

[gepetto143]

Yes, there was an article about a subaru engine conversion a few years ago...

[David G]

Mr. Burgan,

I agree that you'll get the best informed answer from Bill Child. You can also do research on what's been tried and what's been discussed by other owners at the Yahoo Group for Bartenders:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bartenderboat/

G'luck

[Bob Burgan]

I've talked to Bill and ordered the article about the Subaru conversion. I'll send posts once I get started on the rebuild and thanks...Happy Holidays ....Bob