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Whaler Central family,

I am a newbie to this fantastic site so please bare with me. I purchase a project 22’ Revenge with an I/O. I haven’t found anyone as of yet who either owns one or has written anything about one. It’s apparent that it wasn’t a big seller for some reason. Since my motor will either be rebuilt or replaced I would like to get some information about this design, or hear comments about it. Could someone steer me in the right direction?

Thanks, Don.

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Since your Revenge is a project boat. consider removing the engine and outdrive, and installing a bracket and a four stroke outboard. Since the advent of 4 stroke outboards, I think I/Os don`t make sense any more. Probably wouldn`t cost more than replacing the original unit, I think will increase the value of your boat.
Just my thoughts.

rich

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Rich makes a good point. But I'd also think about a Yanmar or Volvo/Penta turbo diesel. Might be more a little more expensive than a 200/225 4 stroke outboard but I'll bet it would be more economical to run.

Jeff

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Not a bad idea at all Rich! I'd do a cost workup both ways and compare.

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Don,

The sterndrive versions of the Revenge models were much more prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s before the advent of the really large V-6 outboards. Whaler invested a lot of thought into the sterndrive 22 especially when they thought sterndrives were going to be a big part of the future of boating.

Sterndrives remain very common among boats in general but smaller boats tend to be powered by outboard motors now that there are four stroke motors up to 300 HP and beyond.

This does not mean that there is necessarily anything wrong with a sterndrive. Sterndrives offer several advantages: lower engine cost, easier access from within the boat, lower profile, diesel options, dual coaxial prop outdrives, etc.

The 22 foot Whaler models are well suited to a sterndrive application because of the unique full depth splashwell design. I believe this is one reason Whaler used this splashwell for so many years in the 22; it allowed an easy conversion to I/O.

I spent some time last weekend in a 1980 Revenge 22 Sterndrive. It was originally powered by a four cylinder MerCruiser but has just been repowered with a 4.3 liter V-6 with the MerCruiser Bravo III drive (MerCruiser's version of the Duo-Prop). This was a clean installation but rather heavy for this boat as it sits two inches lower int he stern at least.

I think the Sterndrive models of Whalers are a golden opportunity of to install a very fuel efficient power plant. Small diesels can be installed easily. With fuel prices sky high and going higher, it only makes sense to consider the latest diesel offerings.

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I/O`s, or sterndrives, only make sense on a boat that is stored on a trailer. If on a boat that is left on a trailer, it is impossible to lift the outdrive unit free of the water, like an outboard. At best the lower part of the housing is continually submerged. And worse than that the rubber bellows which is a heavy rubber accordion like tube between the housing and the outdrive can crack and sink your boat if you have the outdrive tilted up. Case in point; I restored a 25 Bertram in the late `70s. Installed two new Merc 165`s and two new Mercruiser outdrive units. I was told early on never to raise the outdrives when the boat is moored as it stretches out the bellows. Well, about 2 years later, for some reason I did this, came back the next day and found about a foot of water in the boat, almost up to the starters. I was able to pump the boat dry, and lower the outdrives and the leak stopped. After hauling the boat I discovered one of the bellows had split. In the 3 years I owned that boat I continually had problems with the outdrives, becuase they were continually immersed in salt water, Paint didn`t help.

rich

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seabob4, I live in the Baltimore area and the boat will be on a trailor. Thanks for the tip.

Tom, The previous owner installed a Chev 350. If the weight of a V6 makes your freind's boat sit 2" lower, Lord only knows what a V8 will do.

I would perfer to stay with a Gas engine due to the price of desel fuel, but thanks for the suggestion.

I am serously concern about the weight of the engine, and how it will make the boat perform. Does it make sense to down size to the original engine Whaler provided, or go with a bracket and install an OB?

Thanks to all who replied.

Don.

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Don while the price of diesel is higher, most diesel engines are more fuel efficient. They are, if taken care of, more durable and maintenance free than gas engines.

Jeff

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Don,

I am honestly surprised one could even fit a 350 into the engine compartment of the a 22 Sterndrive model. it must be a very tight fit! Do you have any photos?

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Tom, Yes, My father took pictures. I will ask him to post them. The preveous owner thought rain water got into this engine from sitting, causing it to seize. Today we removed the heads and manifold and found the cylinders look fine, no sign of rust and the engine is no longer seized.
Judging from the cylinders this engine has very low hours. The question I keep asking my self is this the engine for this boat?

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I am trying to post a photo, without success. It is a jpeg 82.9 KB From my computer ?

This the engine in the 22' BW Revenge

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http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj...254rez.jpg