To repower or not; 470 to ?

[Greytfun]

The Boat: 1987 Four Winns Horizon 190
The Motor: Mercruiser 165 (3.7L, 2BBL)
The Drive: Alpha 1

I bought this boat used and I'm new to boat ownership (now 4 yrs with some experience maintaining). The engine has it's issues and I'm not wanting to deal with many of them. I'm tired of spending too much time on maintenance/repairs and not enough on the water.

The Issues/Repairs: Installed alternator conv kit, Exhaust bellows (lower) once or twice a year, Engine had severe overheat at least once (bad impeller), Continuous battery draining when laid up (despite disconnecting main harness). What next...
The Question: Repower with a straight 6cyl (190 hp ?) or a new/reman 165hp again?

Discuss/Advise...

 

[oops!]

Re: To repower or not; 470 to ?

why not a 4.3 v6?......fantastic motors for a 19 foot

 

[Greytfun]

Re: To repower or not; 470 to ?

I've been told I don't have enough room for anything but the straight six.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: To repower or not; 470 to ?

Unless you really love the boat, a motor change would probably be way too much time trouble and expense (besides adding at least 200# to the stern). Your two viable options are fix what you have or another boat. IMHO

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: To repower or not; 470 to ?

I've been told I don't have enough room for anything but the straight six.

Only you can tell that for sure. measure the engine compartment cover. I'll bet you a nickel you have more room for the added width of a V engine than you do the length of an I6.

This topic has been discussed on here several times.

As stony says, you'll spend way more time, money, and effort than it's worth.

 

[Greytfun]

Re: To repower or not; 470 to ?

Thanks, guys! I think it's time for a "new" boat. Now that I have a few years of experience maintaining/fixing this boat, I'll know a little better when looking around. Except for the all engine issues and maintenance this boat has been real fun. I enjoy tinkering but this is starting to take too much of my time away from the water.

 

[cptnmcluvin]

Re: To repower or not; 470 to ?

My 87 SeaRay has a 470 and I'm considering a repower as well. I was told that the conversion to 4.3 would be difficult b/c the engine mounts are completely different. Also, the dual exhause manifold on th v6 might get in the way of the steering. One option is to pull the I/0, fill in the transome hole w/ new plywood, and put an outboard bracket on the back. I'm also considering repowering w/ a merc 3.0

Keep us posted on what you decide.