Need advice!!!!

[Dulcesuenos]

You should easily find a v8 diesel under your budget. Big turbocharged 3208 would work well, get one from a used dump truck, attach the rear end to the stern and weld steel paddles to the rims for propulsion. Mexico is free just tell them you want political asylum.

[mr_f]

Yes, V8 is a good choice. There are crime-prone areas in Mexico (check noonsite.com for information) and when the wind is dead, you are going to want to be able to get away in a hurry. Not sure about the fuel tank size. Go large.

Dulcesuenos' suggestion of a paddlewheel is good. The markup on boat propellers is outrageous. Paddlewheel is going to be much more cost effective.

And you are right. Some sort of a frame sounds like a good idea. Wood seems acceptable, but I assume you could build something lighter out of PVC piping or something similar.

[Seth_Carley]

Free??? How is that???

[mrlassiter]

Mexico can't charge you anything if you utter the words 'political asylum' also it is easier for them for the paperwork if you carry a firearm of some sort. An Ar15 is the easiest for them to checkin. Be sure to carry lots of ammo, that multihull should do well at loading for that. (These folk are having fun with you...)

[Dulcesuenos]

Actually it might be easier just to leave the drive shaft on the back of the transmission and run it right through the transom. Then you could weld a big props recommend three to four feet right to the drive shaft that way you have a transmission for shifting gears really good on saving fuel. You can use a waxed toilet ring to seal the driveshaft so water doesn't get itto.