Should I avoid engine swaps?

[fsbk366]

I am new here and looking to buy a used sundancer in the 25'-27' range. I currently have a 230 overnighter that I love, but want to upgrade. I've been hunting for a couple weeks and have gotten some great leads, but nothing has panned out yet. I have patience though.

So I came across a 2000 Sundancer 260 here locally that seams to fit all of my criteria near perfectly. My only hesitation is that it has had a new motor and outdrive installed. While part of me thinks that it is great to reset the hours 'clock', the other part of me is worried about reliability. Do boats that have had engine swaps tend to be more problematic?

The actual clock says the boat has 500 hours, but the owner says the engine has less than 100 hours. Should I pass this up and keep hunting for a boat that has not had major repairs, or is reliability not a concern when the engine swap has been done properly?

 

[psubill78]

I guess I don't understand why an engine or outdrive swap would scare me away. especially if the price was appropriate.

 

[Bt Doctur]

question why it was replaced,warranty,accident, accidental drowning,underwater impact,corrosion damage, freeze damage.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

What was it replaced with? New out of the box motor and drive or rebuilt units?

 

[Jon Porter]

Ask for receipts. Find out where the engine came from. I have all of mine from when I re-powered including the warranty from the engine builder that I bought the long block from. Run it and see how things sound. If he has to do tricks to get things to work than it may of been a hack job install.

 

[Little Ducky]

Most time the cost to rebuild original is more then just buying a new/refurbished motor.

 

[techmitch]

Ask for receipts. Find out where the engine came from. I have all of mine from when I re-powered including the warranty from the engine builder that I bought the long block from. Run it and see how things sound. If he has to do tricks to get things to work than it may of been a hack job install.

You are about 8 years late with your reply. Oh, and welcome aboard.

 

[Jon Porter]

Your not wrong and I missed the date however if I stumbled across it than someone else will too and now it has more information. Like what’s said in posts directed at new members, search out your issue first, so there you go..... more info has been offered.