v-drive propulsion question

[jetkibby]

Hey,
Been practicing my welding and want to construct a aluminium offshore powerboat 6-7 meters that can go places for adventure uses. Kind of like this one.
http://www.alucraftboats.com.au/Leis.../leisure16.htm

The biggest problem i and my associates (dad and brothers) is propultion unlike many of the super rich people i cannot afford a new outboard or second hand twin outbaords.

This is when i looked to the deep recesses of the shed and found a pretty big brand new V-8 chevy (220 kw) that we were going to put in a race car we can easily marinise or install a heat exchanger on.

Upon this discovery i was quick to the internet to look up kinds of propultion seeing the prices of reconditions sterndrives it seems the best bet to go for a v-drive inboard so we can sit the motor down the back of it.

This is where i require the help i cant find a single design from all the kit producers which is for a v-drive. can anyone point me in the direction of a design for a offshore inboard speedboat V-drive if possible.

Or if you have any ideas on how to make a v- drive housing for a boat it would make life alot easier. even if you have a idea for a good reliable form of propultion that wont hit the pocket too hard.

struth i've just about told my life story, any help would be nice.
Cheers,
J.K

[gonzo]

Marine engines have a few differences with automotive: camshaft, bronze freeze plugs, stainless gaskets, high volume oil pump among others. Also, blocks and heads cast for marine applications have nickel content to make them corrosion resistant. If you have a closed cooling system it will solve some problems. V drives are more expensive and complicated than a straight inboard. They involve two gear housings. If you are on a budget, just one transmission will be cheaper. However, between a transmission, shaft, struts, rudder, etc. and a sterndrive unit, the cost is about equal.