Ericson 25+ with sail drive

[Rick Jorgensen]

HI,I have an Ericson 25+ that came originally with a Sial Drive engine. A couple of years ago it dies and I went with a Nissan 9.8 long shaft outboard. My question is can I remove the powerhead leaving the lower end intact and not have the boat sink.Thanks.

[Rob Hessenius]

Rick- The answer is no. Water will fill through the cooling intake. Either leave it as it is or pull the drive and glass up the hole. You probably can sell the sail drive for the cost of a professional to do the work.