MERC CRUISER 470

[foragedata]

We are looking for a used motor boat for our family to wakeboard/ski with. Don't have much $$$, but found a 1977 Glastron SSV 189 with a Merc crusier 470 IO. They are asking $1500, catch...the owner says the water hose blew and then the heat exchanger blew and a new one costs $620. He didn't want to deal with it. My questions is 'Do I'? Is it expensive to have this replaced and could there be other problems? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[MrBill]

Re: MERC CRUISER 470

First determine the extent of damage to the heat exchanger...blown could mean replacement of the end gaskets is necessary. I have seen many heat exchangers on eBay sell for under one hundred dollars...but don't settle for the 3 inch diameter ones, you should really have the 4 inch to provide proper cooling. The real end game however is.. how much would that boat (with trailer I assume) be worth if it were operable?? Answer...about $2000 to $2500. He should probably be willing to sell a boat that old (with a relatively undesireable power set-up) for $1000 or less. Bargain hard or walk...

 

[Trent]

Re: MERC CRUISER 470

Personally I would walk away.....no run! Your asking for trouble with this one. Too many boats out their. my thoughts only. The 470 was Mercrusier's mistake (sorry guys if you have one).

 

[foragedata]

Re: MERC CRUISER 470

Thanks for your input. Other questions: The 1977 Glastron SSV 189 that it is on is in GREAT shape. Is it feasible to replace the powerplant? Do we just replace the engine with an improved version, or do we have to replace the engine and the outdrive? Are these alternatives to consider if we can buy the boat at the 'right' price?<br />If replacement is an option, any advice what to replace it with?