What Motor?

[Mobile 57]

Hello!
just bought a 1988 20’ Bowrider project boat that needs a new motor. Originally had the 2.5L 4cyl.

looking at either a 165 inline 6cyl or a 5.0 V8.
both motors come with matching out drives.

any suggestions or advice for a newbie?

 

[AShipShow]

Thats like asking someone to buy you a car with no input... lol

What do you plan on doing with it?

Do you plan to do a lot of cruising? Do you wanna get where you're going as fast as possible? Do you plan to wakeboard/tube/ski a lot?

A great motor to cover all of those bases would be a Mercruiser 4.3 (based on the GM 4.3). If you want to do tons of cruising, then the 3.0Merc is a great choice, they are pretty bulletproof but gonna lack a little in the pulling a couple dunkin' lovin' middle age chunkers on slolom skis...

Personally, i think the 5.0 is pointless, they don't have much more power than a vortec 4.3 but just worse gas mileage...
The 5.7 is also a great choice, but not gonna be pretty on the wallet if you live cruising a lot (this is what my boat has, but I don't spend a lot of time cruiser, pretty much go somewhere and hang for several hours)...

On a side note: my best recommendation would be to find a cheap boat that is falling apart structurally that you can get the donor motor from.. Going to be by far your cheapest option versus buying an entire refurb marine crate motor and having to buy all the extra stuff to go with it.

 

[Mobile 57]

Very good point!
going fast is always fun... but this boat will be primarily used to pull tubers, and ski/wakeboard someday.
my research seems to indicate that the 4 cyl motors will be working pretty hard for that purpose.
the in-line 6 seems to have more torque than the V8’s, but V8’s will have better top end power for speed.

the 4.3 would probably be a great choice... but I’m guessing it’s a newer motor, as I haven’t seen any in my price range... which is $1k or less for motor & outdrive.

with that budget, I’ve been searching for a “parts boat” and plan to rebuild the motor.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

second, any 1988 boat should be checked for rot. if its a bayliner, its guaranteed to have rot. for the cost of properly restoring the hull and also dealing with motor and drive, you could buy a working boat.

third, the in-line 6 is an older motor, however is 150% of the 153 that was in there

 

[Mobile 57]

Thanks Scott!
this is a Glassport, and fiberglass seems in good shape.
Used a rubber mallet on the outside of the hull before purchase and sounded right.
working on disassembly now, but seems good. Stringers seem solid so far, but floor was soft in spots (expected).

I’m sure I’ll spend more than I’ll ever recoup on this boat... but with a solid foundation, and a newly rebuilt motor, I hope to have some peace of mind that it will be reliable... or at least that I would have personal knowledge of every nut, bolt and screw on it. Lol

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks Scott!

Used a rubber mallet on the outside of the hull before purchase and sounded right.

doesnt mean a thing. there is no valid "tap test"

the tap test only works if the wood in the transom was wet, then rotted away leaving a void.

the only true means of verifying if the hull is not rotten is to drill core samples or take moisture readings.

if its a bayliner, guaranteed to have rot

Thanks Scott!
but floor was soft in spots (expected).

I’m sure I’ll spend more than I’ll ever recoup on this boat...

this is a guarantee on rot. ass the floor is the last thing to rot 100% of the time.

plan on $3k on the hull
$3k on the motor and drive (buying a used motor and drive)
$3k on interior and wiring
and $1k on incidentals.

if you have to touch the outside of the boat, plan on another $2k

 

[AShipShow]

I'll second what Scott says... soft spots in the floor means your boat is fiberglass encapsulated worm poop...

His numbers are correct to do a top notch restoration... you can do it for cheaper... but you won't be completely happy until you've hit those numbers..

 

[Mobile 57]

I appreciate the responses... even if they are intended as “Debbie downers”.
By Scott’s numbers, I’m still at $10k.... priced a new one lately?

I think I’m doing well so far... boat acquired, floor mostly removed with good stringers so far. Only in it for $500 at this point.
I may be a newbie to boat restoration, but I’ve learned to watch the numbers through antique car restorations.

I’ll either end up with a restored boat, or good experience moving forward with no more investment than my time.

 

[AShipShow]

Not trying to be a debbie downer, just trying to give you the realization of what you're in for so you know ahead of time if it makes sense for you...
Its a shame how many "half restored" boats go to the junk yard because people misunderstood what it would cost to fix.

 

[Bondo]

looking at either a 165 inline 6cyl or a 5.0 V8.

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... If yer gonna go that far, go with the 350/ Gen.II drive, 'n ride in style,....
Current production,....

You oughta be able to find that driveline, Runnin', in a rotten donor boat, for 'tween 3, 'n $5,000.....

Scotts just givin' ya honest realistic numbers,......... Go for it,.....