AMBAR 550 Conversion to outboard

GIFCo147 · 16 August 2007, 00:23

Greetings all.

I have a question, and this seems to be the place for answers.

My company has a 1997 AMBAR 550 with a Yanmar Diesel and Jet Drive. It has been serviceable up to this point, but not optimal. It is not very fast, and when you have more than two people on board, it is DOWNRIGHT SLOW!

What about a makeover? Remove the Yanmar and Jet, clean the fuel tank, and convert over to a good sized Honda 4 stroke outboard. The hull is aluminum, and sound so I don't think that the transom would be taxed by this arrangement.

Has anyone ever done a conversion like this? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Limey Linda · 16 August 2007, 01:18

Suggest you contact " Sunrider" on this forum. He is in the USA and I am sure has done this conversion.

sunrider · 16 August 2007, 02:23

I'm in the middle of a similar conversion now on a Zodiac Hurricane 733 with GRP hull, but using a proven transom bracket design from the manufacturer rather than doing anything innovative. This is my first time doing this, and actually undertaking it because I was curious about the process and also wanted to do some other modifications to the 733 I've been thinking about for a while. So I don't think I can offer any original wisdom, but am sure there are many others on the forum with extensive experience and definately more depth in regard to the the engineering issues. I assume you're consulting Ambar for their input, and would also suggest bringing the question to those on the Boat Design Forum (http://boatdesign.net)...there are probably many other similar resources but I've found these members to be both knowledgeable and helpful with many questions I've posted.

However, I live relatively near you in Iowa and also was a paramedic for many years so can relate to your situation intimately..will be glad to help if I can. best of luck with the project.
bryan