MonArk cab boat resurrection

I bought this old MonArk 18' cab boat from a neighbor, been sitting for years. Old 35HP Evinrude still runs, but seriously underpowered. I decided to repower with an inboard/outboard from an old ski boat that I bought mostly for the trailer under it. It's an ongoing project, up and running, but still needs finishing touches.

Takes courage to cut a hole like this in a good transom.

Motor mount built, engine installed, time to see if it'll float.

A buddy stopped by to check it out, says he has a hydraulic steering system on a rotten ski boat that I'm welcome to. Now I have great steering.

I've had it in the water, actually floats a little higher in the rear than I thought it would. Runs out good, but the 23 pitch prop is way more than the 4 cylinder can handle. I'm thinking more in the neighborhood of a 19 pitch would work better.
Still have to build the doghouse over the motor and going to close in the back of the cab. We live on a river in so. AR and this boat will be daily transportation 3-4 months of the year.

Cool project! I used to live in Lake Village AR.

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