we have a 1993 25ft four winns vista, up here in boston which we just
hauled out for the winter. 3 days before we were scheduled to end our
season, a spark plug blew apart. Due to rust and location, I was unable
to see if part of the plug was still in or not. My dealer/mechanic last
spring said that the engine was so rusted that they could not replace
some of the plugs and that we should consider a new engine sometime
soon. The boat ran perfectly all sprng/summer/fall. Now that it is
winter, out of the water, and not running, he suggests again that we
need a new engine and drive. This will cost $18,000-$20,000. We have no
intention of keeping this boat longer than another year as we have out
grown it. Another mechanic, who has not seen the engine, says I should
get a rebuilt short block and a few parts for about $4,500 or $5,000
including labor. What would you do? New engine and drive, short block,
or sell it as is, not running?

Rather obvious isn't it?

In article om,
"richard" wrote:

We have no intention of keeping this boat longer than another year as
we have out grown it. Another mechanic, who has not seen the engine,
says I should get a rebuilt short block and a few parts for about
$4,500 or $5,000 including labor. What would you do? New engine and
drive, short block, or sell it as is, not running?

Well, you answered the "new" question, as that probably costs more than
the boat is worth. Rebuilt may approach it.

I'd get the second mechanic down and see if he can get it to work, as he
sounds more likely to give you an honest evaluation, even it costs you a
few bucks to hear that immediate sale is the answer.

Blowing a spark plug out isn't anything other than lack of maintenance
-- most times. Sounds like she wasn't taken well care of.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

On 6 Dec 2005 18:44:13 -0800, "richard"
wrote:

Another mechanic, who has not seen the engine, says I should
get a rebuilt short block and a few parts for about $4,500 or $5,000
including labor. What would you do? New engine and drive, short block,
or sell it as is, not running?

===============================

It depends on how much the boat is worth. An older, small boat with a
blown engine is almost worthless on the resale market. You would
probably have to donate it for the tax deduction unless there is
something really special about it. So it all comes down to probable
resale value with a good working engine, and the risk of cost overruns
on the rebuild job. The price you've been quoted for a rebuild sounds
like it is in the ball park based on what I know. Unless the heads
have been recently replaced you might be better off with a long block
however. Chances are that if the block is badly rusted, the heads are
also.

If you are about ready to get rid of the boat anyway, I'd be inclined
to donate it as is.

I am just learning about short block VS long block, etc. If I go that
route, do you think that I will have any trouble finding a 1993 351
(Ford) omc?

Should not have a problem. The Ford 351 is very popular with dirt track
racers and the blocks are all over. The going price for a rebuilt 1992
marine 351/5.8 long block is about $1,500.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"richard" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am just learning about short block VS long block, etc. If I go that
route, do you think that I will have any trouble finding a 1993 351
(Ford) omc?

Glenn Ashmore wrote:
Should not have a problem. The Ford 351 is very popular with dirt track
racers and the blocks are all over. The going price for a rebuilt 1992
marine 351/5.8 long block is about $1,500.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"richard" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am just learning about short block VS long block, etc. If I go that
route, do you think that I will have any trouble finding a 1993 351
(Ford) omc?

For my money, I always prefer a PROPERLY rebuilt engine to a new one. I
put rebuilt GM 350's in my old boat, I had a very good shop that I have
used for years that knows the differance between marine and automotive
engines. He remachined the block and heads, rebuilt the heads,
installed new cam and main bearings, new pistons and rings, new timing
chain and gears, new oil pump, new cam and lifters, marine gaskets, new
head bolts, new intake manifold, new oil pan, valve covers and timing
cover and water pump. I installed the fuel pump, thermostat,
distributer, carb, starter and alternator. I didn't give him the block
or heads, he provided them. Total bill for each engine was under $2500
per engine. They ran great, lots of power and he gave me a one year on
his work. For under $5000 I had "new" engines, I installed them myself,
about 8 hours each. The key is, choose a good shop for your work. The
engine is only as good as their work is. You would be surprised, the
price of a top notch job is just a few dollars more than a bottom of
the barrel job.

John

I don'tt hink you even need a short block. why go to all the labor of
pulling and replacing the engine?

I'd put a couple fresh heads on it, and sell it while its running.

Hi Richard,

I understand your dilema over the value of the boat vs. the replacement
engine. You would never recoup your investment. A short block wouldn't
solve your problem either as it wouldn't include the engine heads which the
spark plug is located in. I would enlist the help of a patient mechanic
with a penatrating oil and a stud remover to get the reminants of the
sparkplug out. Change all the sparkplugs and coat the engine heavily with
CorrosionX HD or equivalent to help get the rust under control. If the
engine has rusted enough that a sparkplug failed, there are probably other
items that will fail due to corrosion during your next season. Join a
towing service!!!
"richard" wrote in message
ps.com...
we have a 1993 25ft four winns vista, up here in boston which we just
hauled out for the winter. 3 days before we were scheduled to end our
season, a spark plug blew apart. Due to rust and location, I was unable
to see if part of the plug was still in or not. My dealer/mechanic last
spring said that the engine was so rusted that they could not replace
some of the plugs and that we should consider a new engine sometime
soon. The boat ran perfectly all sprng/summer/fall. Now that it is
winter, out of the water, and not running, he suggests again that we
need a new engine and drive. This will cost $18,000-$20,000. We have no
intention of keeping this boat longer than another year as we have out
grown it. Another mechanic, who has not seen the engine, says I should
get a rebuilt short block and a few parts for about $4,500 or $5,000
including labor. What would you do? New engine and drive, short block,
or sell it as is, not running?