1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

[CaptGeo]

I hate to be this guy, but my first post is a question about the longevity of Mercruiser 5.7L/350cid 260HP motor.

I am looking at a 1983 Sea Ray with the original 5.7L/350 Mercruiser 260hp with 1300hours. The boat has been meticulously maintained by the same marina/service department with complete service records for the past 20 years. Anything this boat ever needed, it was done. The boat looks better than any other used boat I looked at, including boats less than 10 years old. The boat has only been used in fresh water.

I guess I am asking if this is a lot of hours for a motor of this design?

How long is the expected life of these motors if they are maintained at the highest level as this one appears to have been been and will continue to be?

Thanks for any insight you folks can offer, please be kind, I'm new.

geo

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

I`ve had 5.7`s in the 1800-2500 hr range .Internal corrosion can never be measured.
If it`s what you like and plan on keeping, a new motor should be considered

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

Ayuh,... I agree, it's at about 1/2 of what should be expected of a Well maintained 350...
Being the Most Plentiful motor on the Planet,... replacement ain't much of a Big Deal either....

 

[CaptGeo]

Re: 1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

Thanks for the insight guys. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I will post some pics and more info as I get closer to a deal.

geo

 

[CaptGeo]

Re: 1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

As promised here's are some pics of the 83 Sea-Ray SRV 245 we just picked-up (the one that prompted my 1300 hours on a 5.7L question). We did the water test yesterday, the motor pulls hard and just sings along. It is in great shape inside & out. I think we got a great deal.

 

[SSSuper83]

Re: 1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

Now thats one PRETTY old Sea Ray!! Congrats! With that much boat..even if a problem does develop with the engine, looks like you are ahead of the game already!

 

[carcraze]

Re: 1983 5.7L Mercruiser is 1300 a lot of hours?

Sure looks in nice shape.

Congrat's and happy boating.