Repower convert from shafts to pods?

From a maneuverability and efficiency perspective you are correct. However I would think it could be cost prohibitive (if it can even be done) due to the modifications that would be needed on the hull etc. The reinforcement needed etc to ensure the pods would shear etc if needed would likely be difficult.

We had IPS in the last boat that I owned and I'm not sure that I'd get another one. Loved the ability to bail out to the joystick if things got a little interesting around the dock etc, but there's something to be said about the simplicity of shafts from a maintenance perspective as well as not worrying about my forward facing propellers striking something...

Most boats are designed for their propulsion systems. Certainly IPS & Zeus. I guess anything can be converted to anything, but it's a matter of whether the benefit would be worth the cost.

I think that's the main point I would make too. You're talking about putting a propulsion system in a boat that's not designed for it and that you have no history or previous installations to know how it will work and perform. Both IPS and Zeus work best when certain design features are there.

What they said. Both ZUES and IPS need to be mounted verticle to the waterline, they cannot be mounted at an angle on the V. They also need a hull and engine bed that is designed for them. Although I've seen a few retrofitted. The Broward would be a FAR easier deal because you could just weld what you need right into the hull and I'm sure a naval architect could get it right. ZF can but the boat handles REALLY ODD when you mount them on the same angle as the V. Most big browards and Hatteras cruised at 20 knots. A set of C18 CATS to replace 12v71's or 12v92's would get you more speed, fuel efficiency, and engine room space.

Think were missing another view. Your going to need to jack shaft back a ways to the pods. Somewhere around your last strut or just before. Above that point your going to need access and at least 3 feet of vertical clearance. 2 feet up and parallel to the main engine, a direct (straight) shaft.
Just the physical placement of the inboard drive line will eat up a lot of interior bilges.
If the pods go down in the after ER, they won't have the leverage against the hull to maneuver.

Now, keep conventional drive line and a pair of QSMs or taller and your hp requirements go down since your not lugging around that old designed 4000+ pounds of Detroit cast iron.

It's a new power plant either way, stay conventional and lighten up the HP.

Because it's 1/3 of the price to rebuild a detroit instead of repowering and many times they're just rebuilding one and not both. Also, you don't have to cut a hole in the side of the boat or do other major surgery to get them out of the boat and new engines installed. 95%+ of the time the Detroits can and are rebuilt in place.

Anything can be done with enough money, time or knowledge. Deciding if it's a worthwhile endeavor is another matter...

There in lies the key to going ahead or not, a good part of what should be considered during the decision process is the amount of cash available to be used that will never really be recovered in anything other than the joy of using the vessel.

When I had my boat built, I considered pods. I was convinced that it wasn't a good choice for my needs since my boats mission is to go to remote areas where high tech stuff isn't easily serviced.