97 Bayliner w/ 4.3l Mercruiser engine swap

[ponyboy1995]

I have a friend who has a 97 Bayliner with a 4.3l that has a cracked block. I am looking at possibly buying the boat for 1k. I found another 4.3l mercruiser in good running condition for $500.00. My question is, if I do the engine swap myself how much extra cost would be involved to have a good running boat. Again, not including labor cost what else would I be looking at? How hard is the swap and is it worth buying this boat and doing this or is it too much money and work? Anything I should be aware if in the process? The boat has been garage kept and is in perfect shape other then the engine. Your help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[cr2k]

Re: 97 Bayliner w/ 4.3l Mercruiser engine swap

If the engine is the same model 4.3 won't be too much extra, outdrive gasket, oil, etc. If one is early and other is late could be lots depending on how much you can get off the donor boat.

 

[ponyboy1995]

Re: 97 Bayliner w/ 4.3l Mercruiser engine swap

I plan on getting the complete engine, not just the block. Not sure of the difference in models.

 

[achris]

Re: 97 Bayliner w/ 4.3l Mercruiser engine swap

What year is the good runner you found?

 

[Struc]

Re: 97 Bayliner w/ 4.3l Mercruiser engine swap

You didn't say what size boat it was, but if it's a typical bow rider Bayliner, a 1997 boat should be worth $5k - $10k depending on how good of condition it is in. If you pick it up for $1k and stick another $1k into it (engine + whatever), well, you can do the math. Yes, it's worth it.

Like was mentioned, the 4.3l engine went through a lot of configuraitons over the years. If the motor you're getting is the same year or close (96-98?) to the boat, then you'll probably be able to drop it in and go. If the motor is from 1990, well then you've got a lot of differences that you may or may not need to overcome.