So I figured the only thing more expensive than one boat is two. I got a great deal on a 22' sailboat. The guy had a little 9hp Volvo penta engine, title and all that he gave me. Problem is you can't get parts for those engines anymore. I took it apart and the pistons and cylinders are scored. I'm still trying to find some parts but I'm not holding my breath.

So I took the power head off and I'm looking at the top of the lower unit. Four holes to bolt the engine on and the drive rod sticking up right in the middle. The gear lever that puts it F/N/R is built into the lower unit. I even chucked down my cordless drill on the driveshaft and gave it a whirl. I was surprised the amount of water it was moving in the bucket I had the lower unit in.

I got to thinking a 6hp briggs would fit nicely right on top of this lower unit. I would have to build an adapter plate to bolt the engine to the mount on the top of the lower unit, and figure out some way to connect the drive shaft coming out of the lower unit to the bottom of the motor.

I searched on the internet and found a few people who have done it but the posts I found were from several years ago. I can't find a used outboard for less than $300 and figure this is at least worth a shot. Has anyone ever tried this? Good or bad experiences welcome.

One of my customers in Wimberley did this exact same thing that you are talking about. He cut off a sears powerhead, made an adapter plate and mounted a 5hp Briggs engine on top, He used the splines from the origanal crankshaft and welded it to the adaptor from a lawnmower. Like he said, Tain't purdy, but shore nuff works. Viberates like h-ll but gets me thar an back.
Now here is the down side., You cannot legally build and operate that outboard. You have to have a manufacturing licenses and be able to print an MSO (manufactors statement of origin) because in TX. That engine has to have a title......But I really doubt it if a warden would issue you a ticket once he gets to looking at that engine..........He may want a picture, cause ain't nobody seen anything like that........

I do have the title to the outboard as it is currently built. The serial number is on the lower unit which matches the serial on the title. Of course I doubt that anybody would believe the new motor came from Sweden.

HMMMMMM sweden=saab=general motors=bailout, just tell the warden thats a new "green motor" of course you should paint it appropriately.

Yes, Briggs & Stratton did that. They made an outboard and we are not sure if it is still made or not. You should be able to research it with the search engine. Others have also done that we have seen.

This should help!

Link for Outboards, hit the Top Four Outboard links, 3 to 5 HP.

BCB is correct. Briggs and Stratton made their own outboards for a while. Try and find one that is blown up.

Briggs & Stratton still makes 5HP kickers. They sell them at Academy. As far as you putting a Briggs' motor on your lower unit. I would think since the serial number is on the lower unit the motor would cause you no grief at all. You can replace the motor in your 1971 Chevrolet pickup with ANY motor you want without having a title issue. The serial number is tied to the chasis & body not the motor itself. If you look at the :lovejoy or Boston" Jaw type shaft couplers. You can order them by the sahft size to accommodate the shaft size in the lower unit and the shaft size on the Briggs motor. You can also order a poly material spider insert coupling that sits in between the jaws and you should be set.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4X182

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3X715

Rob