165 Mercruiser

[Martman]

I am looking at a 18' Silverline open bow with a 165 Mrecruiser. Other than being a six cyl GM engine, what is a 165, and is it a good unit to start with. The boat is from the late 70's and would be a nice unit one the interior was redone, hull looks good. I am not looking for a speed demon boat I want a good family cruiser that will be good on gas.

 

[ziggy]

Re: 165 Mercruiser

Other than being a six cyl GM engine, what is a 165,

it's a chevy 250 CID.

and is it a good unit to start with.

great engine. likely one of the best ever to be marinized from what i read. a real workhorse, very desirable. i've never read anyone's comment that they don't like their 165 L6. i'm on my second one. 2 different boats.
check compression and if good. move onto inspecting the boat. the boat is usually where issues are at in old boats... ie sole, stringers, transom rot.

I am not looking for a speed demon

it probably won't be. my 19'er does 42mph, gps. don't think your gonna upgrade it to more hp though. there are no go fast parts available for it.

I want a good family cruiser that will be good on gas.

great cruising engine. if ya keep yer right hand from being to heavy, she'll do pretty good on fuel. open it up all the time and it will use some fuel..
those are my observations anyways...

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: 165 Mercruiser

Real pleased with my 33 year old piece, never let me down and easy to service all the stuff on the engine, easier than a V anyway.

 

[Martman]

Re: 165 Mercruiser

Thanks for the replys, 42 mph is plenty fast for us. The main lake we use is long, deep and often rough. I am looking for a reliable operating system, and this sounds like this is what I am looking for, I will post some photos if I buy it.

Thanks

 

[GeneH]

Re: 165 Mercruiser

We've probably had 14 boats in the last 30 years and a 1981 Speedliner with a 165 was my lovely wife's favorite of the bunch. Stump pulling torque, quiet at cruising, easy to service and maintain. I used to drop the water out for winterization in 10 minutes compared to an hour and a half for my Mariah 18. I think the Speedliner was a light hull and we got good speed and fuel economy from the rig. Wish we had it back! Remember though that this has some age on it. It's not brand new. Best of luck.