Major modifications to a 31' Silverton

[Stan]

I'm considering serious modifications to my 1981 31' Silverton gulfstream (express cruiser). First, the old 350 crusaders face aft and use walter v drives with borg warner trans to power the boat. I'd like to re-orient a pair of diesels to face forward so that its a direct drive setup (amidship). To do this, after removing the old engines, the 250 gal fuel tank and the bulkhead that supports the tank needs removed. this opens up enough space to place the diesels forward. Next, I have to cut openings in the deck large enough to drop the new engines in. I'd try to use the existing 250 gal tank and place it where the old engines were located. Some other modifications include pluging up the water drains on deck and cutting scuppers thru the aft gunnles.

My question is, how stupid am I? More importantly, What do any of you know about the design and construction of Silverton boats of this vintage? My observation, after a survey 3years ago, is that the hull is solid. Also, after running off shore with her, I am pleased with the deadrise deep-v design that cuts thru 3-4 footers with relative ease. The planing hull bottom is nearly 3in thick and is balsa cored. She's approx 12,000 lbs and feels like a heavy, sturdy boat which is what i want. Some flaws come to mind like the hull to deck joint. Silverton really cut corners here. THe v-drive setup puts an enormous amount of weight in the rear of the boat. it takes 18" x 12" trim tabs to keep her nose down - imagine what happens when the trim tabs fail. Thus the reason why I want the new motors amidship. When taking on 3 plus footers, water spays over the bow. I'd like to remedy this by adding a strake along the bow. Has anyone done anything like this above?

I realize there is no resale value in this. but to purchase a boat of similar design is over the $100,000.00 mark. Many new boats are made of the "yet untested" foam core. To me, the heavier the better and the deeper the V the better. Diesels are costly but within budget. Rather than buy new, which is unaffordable and undesirable, I just assume build my own. Thoughts, experiences comments are welome. Much of my opinions on boats comes from David Pescoe's website www.yachtsurvey.com.

dont waste your time buddy, you cant paint a turd, save your money and get yourself a new boat! better yet, use the money to fix up your house, something that might bring a little bit of resale value, like a new deck or a fancy ep henry walkway. Get the old man to provide the boat, let him worry about the repairs. That way when you go to the beach for the weekend, all you have to bring is your cooler and bait, leave the toolbox at home. Furthermore, its going to be a pain in the a$$ to drag those tools back and forth from the broken boat in cape may to the broken truck in west chester. love always, smart woman

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!

[Jeff]

What? Someone on our forums who advocates putting money into a house instead of a boat??? What has happened - has the Earth shifted out of orbit?

Seriously, there are more important things than money, and if you love your boat, that boat, and look at it in terms other than resale value, there's nothing wrong with putting some time and money into making it a little better. I have lots of fond memories of all the time I spent working with an arm contorted reaching under the engine blocks in my second boat to fix this and that which kept breaking. Not much resale value, but a lot of memories. I'll probably put some more money into it soon too

[Stan]

UMMMM, Honey don't worry! I'll get the deck done for ya. Didn't you read the last paragraph about how much money i'd save if i didn't buy a new boat and just fixed up the old one? It won't cost us that much to do some minor altercations. Besides, I was going to fix up the cabin with new upolstry and cabinets just for you too!

Dammit, I wish my wife didn't catch me writting these things! I get caught every time.

[Jeff]

Laughing out loud

[Stan]

The inquiry about modifying my silverton is on the board here if someone wants to take a stab at it. I'd like to here from you folks who have experience in this stuff. Despite my wife and having "issues" about the project, I'd still like to get your input.

I'm sure you all can relate to balancing a limited budget between what is needed and important for a young family and still having the desire to pursue boating.

So how about it? any takers?

31 silverton ,diesels suck/stink/ too slow/vibrate


factory diesel silvertons have thicker stringers (lots of torque)and larger air intakes
hard to believe you get spray from a silverton lighten up on the tabs dude and get her on a real plane 25mph minimum about 3400rpm(nancy)

their is a slight curverture at the rear of the hull witch keeps the nose down/works much better when thier is'nt20 years of paint on the bottom

not a big boat a bit of extra chain on your anchor rode will make a difference/heavier anchor

what you need are big blocks better mileage,more speed i have 31 convertable the ride is better at speed 30mph whole new animal

[Corpus Skipper]

I've seen plenty of 20 plus year old Silvertons around, fit and finish is crummy, but a stout hull, and I've never seen one blister. You like the ride of this boat, which is a great thing, as far as the spray, rails will probably do no good on the bow. My Chris has a major reverse chine which works great, as long as the wind ain't blowing still get sprayed on the bridge when it's bumpy, and plenty across the bow. I feel your pain with the trim tabs also, but unless you want to beat your boat apart at 30 knots, they're a necessary evil. Anyway, if you love your boat, do it!!! Mine is the same, won't have any resale value, but I love the boat, so what the h#&@!!!(and I can't afford the 100K replacement either)

[jprev]

You just have way too much time on your hands...

Just kidding...

You just should buy a new/used boat with the configuration you desire and save yourself a lot of time and probably a lot of money. Of course it's rumored that some people just like working on boats...

Regards,

Joe

[jimcorliss]

I have the same boat in a 1979 model. Great Boat ! I was considering a single engine and placing a full keel. (The P-struts like to snag lobster trap lines here in Maine). As it is I'm building a lobster boat up from the hull instead. I still had the pleasure of building a keel and it wasn't too difficult. (not on the Silverton... I'll probably sell it when the lobster boats finished this summer). I hope that your new engine plan doesn't take away from the huge living space you now have.... one benefit of the reverse gears is to get the engines in the rear and free up more room in the cabin. Will the engines be low enough ?

Jim