Opinions and advice need on difference btwn long blocks and bobtail(complete) 350's

[chris5635]

I was wondering if anyone has expirience in replacing a pre- 1986 5.7L 350. My main question has to do with the cost involved with installation. If I understand correctly a long block engine is basically the heads along with all internals and missing the fly wheel, manifolds, and tin ware, etc. Where as a bobtail engine has all the components and is basically a drop in ready engine. What would be the average cost of having a long block re-installed by a proffesional mechanic? What would be the cost of having a bobtail engine dropped into the boat. I know the cost/return ratio in putting several thousand dollars into an older boat is almost never worth the return but if I can keep the entire project under 4k I dont have a problem with it. Thanks for any advice or opinions and if anyone has personal expirience to this subject please include your costs.