Sounds like he's expecting some outdrive work as well since you mentioned
the bellows was bad. And I don't think a bellows will cause water in the
cylinders so I'm guessing a new exhaust system. Combine that with a fudge
factor because it's a 16 year old boat and a number of other items are going
to come up along the way. Bottom line is the price is no bargain but might
not be as far out as you think. Imho unless the rest of the boat is way
above average in condition I'd sell it for what ever I could get and shop
for a somewhat newer used boat with a merc. That omc drive is just going to
cost you more down the road. Or as you suggest do it yourself if you think
you're up to it. I would not use a few guys to get it out though. You need
to rig a hoist even if it is a come-a-long and a big tree branch.

"Melandre" wrote in message
ups.com...
The mechanic (from a reputable marine repair shop) found water in the
cylinders and bellows and, without knowing exactly what the problem is,
he says it is quite major (cracked block, head gasket, etc...). He
says he should probably push further (diagnose) only if I want to
commit to a rebuilt (as opposed to replacing the engine). They tell me
that whatever way I look at it, it should be at the minimum around
$5000 Cdn (approx. $4200 US).

The boat is a 1990 Bayliner with OMC Cobra 2.3L. I am talking to
people and a few think this is crazy and that I should be able to
simply buy (assuming I can find one around!) an already rebuilt engine
for approx. $1000 US and then maybe 7-8 hours of a mechanic time to
install it. All in all they say that I should be able to fix my boat
for approx. $2000.

Of course, that sounds better than the $5000+ that the mechanic is
talking about or the $11,000 Cdn they suggested it would cost to put a
new Mercruiser 3.0L in it. Any comments, suggestions, ideas? I live
in Vancouver, BC but can easily go to Washington to get a motor.

Speaking of motor, how heavy are they? If I was to attend to replace
my OMC 2.3L, would I need to have access to a special lift to extract
it or could it be done by 2 or 3 men?

Andre