I have recently acquired a 1977 Hydrodyne (77 are the last 2 numbers in the serial number?) Is the picture of the sun and palm tree a factory logo? It doesn't appear of any of the boats I have seen on this site. Does anyone know the significance of it? Although this is a i/o, is it ok to change to outboard? Does it affect the value or integrity of the model? The boat does not have fins under the bottom but appears to have had at one time. The trailer is not set up for fins. Should I add fins or is it better without? I plan to do a complete restoration, including the floor and transom for an outboard motor (if acceptable). Do I need to build a transom for a 20" shaft on the motor or should it be 24"? I am looking forward to this restoration project. I just finished restoring a 1967 Dorsett but could not find any information to help. This site has a wealth of information that will provide guidance that I certainly need. Thanks for your help.
My boat is a 77 I/O converted to an outboard. It originally had a Merc 898 which is a 198 hp 305 Chevy V-8. The power is now a 150 hp outboard. The boat performs better in every respect, and it is about 600 pounds lighter. It has a lot more room in it now. The transom is 20 inch. A tracking fin will make it track better. I don't know about the palm tree. One advantage of the conversion is that you get to chose what the aft deck and splash well look like. I chose a flat deck with a more modern looking shallow splash well. You could build a higher more rounded deck and build in the ski pole like the new boats if you want. In that case you could have a back seat. If you plan to do the work your self it is a logical thing to do in my opinion. If you plan to hire it done, it might be about the same price for a new boat. jim
