What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

[tdadamson]

Newbie here, just bought a 1989 Citation Cuddy with a cracked Mercruiser 3.0L.... (Got the boat in better than average condition and trailer for $500, my friend's wife got sick of it in the driveway.)

My question is this:

What other engines will fit in with minimal changes?
Is it better to stick with the 3.0L ?
Also do I need to pay attention to years?

I have a family of 5- we would like to do some wake-boarding, little skiing and so on.
We live in the Akron, Ohio area - so are boating season is limited but I'd like to get the jump on next year.

Please help, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If I am missing some important info for you to offer suggestions please let me know.

AGAIN NEW TO BOATING - went out a couple times this year and we enjoyed it.......

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

I would say it's better to stick with the 3.0, it will do all that you need.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

Keep your eye out on CL. 3.0s are plentiful but, if you find one, make sure to check key items with the seller. Number one being the compression and number two, is it cracked?

 

[Volphin]

Re: What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

Nice score! Agree with the posters above on the 3.0L replacement. They are everywhere, but how long is your boat? The 3.0 might struggle a bit with 5 people on board...

 

[tdadamson]

Re: What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

I want to thank everyone with their opinions. The boat is a 19' cuddy.
I will be on the look out for a 3.0L.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

I want to thank everyone with their opinions. The boat is a 19' cuddy.
I will be on the look out for a 3.0L.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... The 3.0l runs 'bout $500. to a Grand for a runnin' take-out motor,....

'n 'bout $1500. for a rebuilt long block,....

 

[tinkerguy70]

Re: What will fit and is it worth it? 1989 Citation with Merc. 3.0L cracked block

Have you looked into repairing the block?
My 3.0 was/is cracked in the same place they all crack, with some effort and work on my part, I did the JB weld repair on it and it's been running two seasons now.
The downside is, you have to do the repair before you can pressure test the block.
The upside is, it costs practically nothing to do and you might save yourself a lot of money, especially on a 24 year old boat.

Just some food for thought.