Replacement engine

[Theboatdream]

I’m about to purchase a 1979 sea ray weekender srv 200 with a 351 Ford Mercruiser 233 in board motor, my question is can I replace this motor with a new strong motor or attempt to fix it up. It hasn’t ran in 15 years. Any help is great appreciated.

 

[hughespat57]

15 years is a long time. Rings could be stuck, valves could be stuck, surface rust on cylinders.
First things would be:
Change oil and filter
Change fuel filters clean the carburetor
Pull the plugs
Squirt some engine oil in the cylinders and let soak a while
Bar it over by hand at least two full revolutions
If free
Get fresh battery and crank it until you get oil pressure up.
Hook up to a 5 gallon gas jug (assume the tank needs to be cleaned)
Put in fresh plugs
See if it will start and run

 

[Espos4]

Before you put $$$ into this boat, have the transom, floor and stringers checked for rot.

 

[Yendor]

While there is no reason that I'm aware of that you could not replace it with a 'new strong motor', I will point out that you should not for any reason think that 351 is some kind of weak sister.
In fact, if it's a Windsor (and it most likely is), I wouldn't swap it out for any similarly sized alternative unless I found out it was beyond repair.

I comparatively recently retired a '76 Glastron Caribbean 254 which was a galley up, hardtop. It had that 351 Windsor in it, and was plenty strong enough to tote that load in fine fashion. I ran that boat for nearly 20 years from Cedar Key to Boca Grande Pass. I'd have to think that your boat weighs measurably less than the Friday Harbor did as it was built like a brick shit house. Consequently, I wouldn't expect you'll be needing a 'new strong motor' as long as that 351 can be made healthy.
Given the replacement cost and the additional time involved with replacing existing accessories, cabling and wiring, I would be inclined to rebuild it (if need be) rather than replace it. Of course since we don't know what you're looking at, there is a possibility that you'll need to do all that anyway. ??

Naturally, you should properly weigh the advice given prior to this. Kind of assuming you are getting a deal on this boat, so to speak, and/or are aware of the potential pitfalls of acquiring a boat of such a vintage. Although there may be more hurdles to overcome, the increased reward can be well worth it.

 

[Theboatdream]

The transom and deck have been priced out as best I could with out tearing her apart. I’m assuming the stringer are rotted so I priced them as well. I got back tomorrow for pictures, I’m a novice in marine maintenance, this will be my first boat over 10 feet. I had other but nothing like this I will continue to updated this post, and I thank everyone for the advice so far, it goes a long way.

 

[techmitch]

The transom and deck have been priced out as best I could with out tearing her apart. I’m assuming the stringer are rotted so I priced them as well. I got back tomorrow for pictures, I’m a novice in marine maintenance, this will be my first boat over 10 feet. I had other but nothing like this I will continue to updated this post, and I thank everyone for the advice so far, it goes a long way.

Welcome to CSR, and yes, we love pic's.

 

[Theboatdream]

Welcome to CSR, and yes, we love pic's.

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post it, but I have a fundrazr launched to help me acquire the supplies and materials to rebuild. Do you know if it goes against community guidelines?

 

[scoflaw]

Why your passion for this boat, are there no better choices?

 

[Theboatdream]

Why your passion for this boat, are there no better choices?

It’s the age old saying, there’s plenty of fish in the sea but this one is mine

 

[scoflaw]

There's another age old saying, The most expensive boat you'll own is the one you got for free.

 

[Little Ducky]

Oh Wow.

Make a reresection thread and post up pictures of your project as you move along.

 

[Yendor]

The transom and deck have been priced out as best I could with out tearing her apart. I’m assuming the stringer are rotted so I priced them as well. . . .

When I first read this, I perceived that you got quotes from someone experienced in such matters. Is that the case, or are you arriving at these quesstimations on your own?

In either case, rest assured that Scoflaw's advice is fact based, and universally understood as such.

Where are you at? You should fill in your profile.

 

[Thornton69]

With respect to your initial question, adding more power could lead to more problems with the older drive in your boat. A 20' is pretty light, so maybe not a big issue as long as you are not too aggressive with the throttle. Gears and prop may also need to be changed to help if that difference is too big.
If budget is limited, your best bet would be to replace both the engine and drive with a complete take out package or just go that way yourself with a pod and outboard.
Deals come along if you keep your eyes open. I found a '97 5.7 complete with Bravo 2 and installed it with new raw water pump, gimbal bearing, bellows and senders myself for about $5000 (CAD). That was 7 years ago and still going strong.
Edit- I also replaced my stringers and did some transom work. It's not a deal breaker if you are handy and can complete the repairs yourself. That repair was another $2000 (CAD).