Need a new engine, where to buy?

I got bad news today. My starboard engine (2004 gas 350 MPI) is locked. Saltwater in the cylinders. Needless to say, I am bummed, and not real happy with the mechanic that visually inspected my manifolds and risers a few months ago and said I was good for a couple of years! Anyway, I need a new engine. Could someone recommend a good, reputable supplier?
Many thanks, Chan
Panama City FL

Michigan Motorz has a good reputation....

Sounds like your not a DYI kind of guy. If you buy an engine from your own source and pay a mechanic to install it what are the warranty implications? Fresh or raw water cooled?

You are correct, not a DYI guy. Freshwater cooled.

I repowered my old boat with two new motors from Michigan Motorz about 5 or 6 years ago. Spoke to the owner about options and he was absolutely great to deal with and they had the best total price back then. Can’t say the same about the salesman he handed me off to though. I ordered FWC, exhaust, remote filters, etc. along with the motors. The guy screwed up a few things with my order and it was a pain to straighten it all out because of how long the shipping took.
Shop locally if you’re only doing one motor. The savings may or may not be worth it when you factor in shipping from Michigan.
Anyway, regardless of who you buy from, no problem with Mercruiser warranty if you make sure you use an installer that is an authorized Mercuiser guy.
I had a fuel pump and circulator pump replaced under warranty.

Warranty will most likely only apply if you allow the "mechanic" to purchase the motor and install. He needs to make something if he is going to take the risk of having to do something twice. Most of the old bolt on components should be replaced to insure reliability.

hottoddie said:

Warranty will most likely only apply if you allow the "mechanic" to purchase the motor and install. He needs to make something if he is going to take the risk of having to do something twice. Most of the old bolt on components should be replaced to insure reliability.

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I purchased the motors directly form Michigan Motorz myself, registered the warranties on them, and had an authorized Mercruiser guy do the warranty work. He replaced the fuel pump on one of the motors immediately to get it started. Turned out Mercruiser had a problem with a run of fuel pumps. Then almost a year later he replaced a circulator pump that had a noisey bearing.
I bought a brand new 9.9 Mercury 4 Stroke from a vendor last February and registered that warranty.