175hp motor swap to 220hp?

[Jim6901]

Hello, I'm new here and need some help.
Irecently bought A 87 Bluewater 17' open bow, with the MCM 4.3 litre Alpha one. I took s gamble, and lost.
The hull is in pretty good shape, interior needs a lot of love so, I thought that as long as it ran, i could afford to fix it up, as I paid $500 for it.
to shorten this up, The motor's seized.
I was looking at replacement options and considering a 220hp motor.
Will it mate with my existing set- up?
What are my best options?

I would buy a kit and rebuild it but, I don't have the facilities to support it. And no way to hoist it out.
Also, I feer that after all the work, it would be recoverable from the damage.
Any input is greatly appreciated!!!!
Jim

 

[harringtondav]

More info is needed from you to give worthwhile answers. Which engine are you considering as a replacement? What is the gear ratio on your outdrive? Is the boat built to handle 45 more hp.? Frankly, 220 hp on a 17' boat sounds a little iffy.

So, out drive s/n, proposed engine year and model are needed for a decent answer.

 

[kenny nunez]

The drive should be able to handle the increase in torque and horse power. However to get any warranty on the new engine you will have to buy a complete engine from carburetor to oil pan with new manifolds. If everything else is in good condition and you can afford the engine package it will give you years of good service.

 

[Jim6901]

Thanks for the replies.
My outdrive s/n is 0B800627.
One potential replacement is a
4.3 for a 1996-2007.
So, going from one 4.3 to another
is not straight forward, I get that but,
I'm curious as to what the variables are?
Is it the motor mounts? Where/how the linkage connects? Exhaust/ intake manifolds?
You mentioned the outdrive gear ratio, will going from 175 hp to 220 have issues other than whether or not in can handle the higher torque and power? I guess what I'm curious about, is there a footprint or mating issue?
I was told this boat really screamed with the 175 hp, maybe i should stick with that.
I felt limited in options, as I was seeing more engines fi
or 1996-2007 and wasn't sure what made them different.
Thanks for the help so far, you've got me thinking now.
Jim

 

[Scott Danforth]

there is no rating on I/O boats

so technically you could put 2000 hp in a 17' boat as long as it fits within the weight capacity of the boat.

going from an '87 to something newer will impact your installation slightly

the 87 was non balanced, so the mounts were the squishy ones, motors newer than 1992 were balanced so they used the same mounts as the 5.0 and 5.7's

everything else will simply bolt in. keep in mind, going from a 1987 to a 1996 and newer motor, none of your brackets, etc on the front of the motor will be retained. you need to pick up a complete bobtail

as far as 175 vs 220hp, you may gain about 5-10mph

the drive wont care, you will need a different prop

if you want EFI, you will need to buy a complete bobtail motor.

or go with a carb'd 1996 or newer.

 

[Bondo]

to shorten this up, The motor's seized.

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,.... Did pull the drive before makin' this conclusion,..??

If not, you may not need a motor,......

Everything but the prop shaft, turns with the crankshaft,.....
A seized drive, appears as a seized motor,.....

My other comment is, the big change in hp is from the induction used,.....
175 hp is a 2bbl carb,..... 205 was the 4bbl carb,.....
I'm Guessin' the number 220 hp is used with vortec heads, 'n a 4bbl carb, or efi, or mpi induction,....

 

[harringtondav]

there is no rating on I/O boats

so technically you could put 2000 hp in a 17' boat as long as it fits within the weight capacity of the boat.

My question about boat design and hp is based on my experience with my 17' bow rider with a 180 hp 4.3LX. It will do 52 mph. But in glass, if a passenger itches their nose, it will start to chine walk. Not much boat in the water at that speed. Thinking more power and speed would be trouble.

 

[achris]

...I was looking at replacement options and considering a 220hp motor.
Will it mate with my existing set- up?..

V6 for V6, yes.

 

[Jim6901]

So, I just came in from pulling my drive. In the rain of course, and when I departed it, a bunch of water came out. As i slid it back, I could it was very dirty and some muck.
Then, I got it off and tried to give it a spin... Nothing, it's seized. I thought that "this is a good thing" and jumped in the boat, hooked up the battery cable and gave it a try..... Nothing!!!
I'll put a wrench on it to make sure but, I think I'm pretty well hosed!
I guess this time, I lost.
I spent 15 years in Singapore and really wanted another boat when I got back. I guess I shouldn't have let good singing deal cloud my judgement.
Lesson Learned!!!
Thanks guys,
Jim

 

[achris]

Just curious. Do you buy cars without even starting the engine?

 

[Jim6901]

Funny.......I bought it from a 60 yr old woman who said it ran two years ago, before her husband died.
Conveniently, the battery was dead and no water near where it was.
Yeah, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I'll put a wrench on it to make sure but, I think I'm pretty well hosed!

NEVER EVER EVER try to turn a motor over by the crank bolt.....EVER

you will snap the bolt off requiring you to buy a new crank

 

[kenny nunez]

Since you are only in it for $500.00 that is not so bad the trailer is worth at least 1/2 of that. If the hull is solid, transom & floor you could make a nice boat out of it with a good shop. Check the prices on new similar boats. For less than 1/3 of a new boat you could get this thing in top shape.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I stuck a 230 HP Vortec V6 in my 17' Bluewater. Taking an '89 V6 that is rated 175 and building up a later model rated 220-230 is easy upgrade. The Bluewater hulls are pretty nice. Replacing the outdrive with an new after market one is a $1400 wallet lightener, but gets you new with a 3 year warranty. Before spending any money on it, drill some test holes in the lower part of the transom and stringers and make sure they aren't mush. Quality of the hull is the starting place now that you own it.

 

[Jim6901]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna way my options and try to make the informed decision this time.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
Jim

 

[Jim6901]

Hello again, I read that an automotive longblock can be used, if you put different freeze plugs and all the external parts from original engine on it.
is this the case?
I'm trying to examine every possibility.
thanks so much,
Jim

 

[achris]

Yes. As well as the core plugs, you'll need to change the head gaskets to marine. Any engine from a truck or SUV should have the right cam.

 

[Jim6901]

Thank you!
Jim