You can pretty much make any engine work. Heat is the biggest problem. Even
though the block may be water cooled, you'll still need to get airflow to
the radiator. Exhaust heat will be a big problem and could become a hazard
if the engine is enclosed. Check out www.surpluscenter.com for misc gears
and parts.



"rvbilly" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi I am building a little 11 ft. V bottom plywood epoxy speedboat, I am
really interested in installing a 250cc dirtbike engine in it for
propulsion, I would have to use a stuffing box and shaft supports and
rudder, but I live in Chilliwack BC Canada and nobody locally can
supply parts,has anyone ever done such a install? The engine (dirtbike)
would have about 20 to 40 Hp. be watercooled with a small rad, I was
thinking I could use some kind of tranny with F,N,R from a lawn tractor
to obtain reverse in the boat, I know people have told me to use a
outboard but this is a project and I`m going to make it all work one
way or another, any help would be greatly appreciated.