Replace or Rebuild?

[Slessard]

Hi all first time as I begin my Bayliner 195 1993 conversion to full fishing boat. Yeah i know huge brain cramp ;o) Currenly have a merc 3.0 in it which is going fine except for a slight ticking noise when running idle and always some oil at the bottom of the boat. Not coming from the oil pan (figured maybe water in the oil) but oil in the pan is all clean and oil is not muddy at all. Will pull it out and my question is can i get a bigger engine without to much of a pain installing it? 4.3? 305? 350? Or should I skip the trouble and just get this 3.0 rebuilt along with the gimble and stern drive?

 

[achris]

Any change to a V engine will involve building new engine mounts and putting in a new exhaust pipe. A wider engine box cover may also be required, as will cutting some of the floor out. It will also require a drive ratio change. If you want to go the V engine route, buy a scrap boat with the engine you want and do a 'pulley to prop' change.

For me, just pull the 3 litre and have it freshened up.... If you want more power, buy a boat with more power.

Chris..........

 

[danhenke]

Keep that 3.0! I freaking love mine. It’s not the fastes girl on the lake, but she’s the most fuel efficient, reliable power plant out there.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I like the 4.3L conversion I did. It is half as noisy as the 3.0L and half again faster. That said, I don't need the extra speed in my fishing barge. And like you, I converted an inexpensive 7 person ski boat into a 2 person fishing boat. Did it by purchasing a donor boat for the complete 4.3L power package. In the end, after selling the trailer, 3.0L motor, outdrive and accessories, it was pretty much a push on cost.

Hard part of the conversion was making up the motor mounts. Fit was no issue since the ski boat I started with had two motor options, 3.0L or 4.3L. I had a lot of fun doing it. I did have a thread about it here.

 

[Slessard]

Thanks guys ... I am actually planning on getting a bigger / faster cruising boat. Keeping the 3.0 makes sense as this one will be used mainly for fishing. Powerful enough to reach destination and I agree fuel efficiency is amazing, Thanks!

 

[Slessard]

Thanks Rick Stephens

 

[Rick Stephens]

Thanks guys ... I am actually planning on getting a bigger / faster cruising boat. Keeping the 3.0 makes sense as this one will be used mainly for fishing. Powerful enough to reach destination and I agree fuel efficiency is amazing, Thanks!

Actually fuel use is the same for a given speed. Since I tend to 'putt' to fishing spots at around 25 MPH most of the time, both motors use the same amount of gas for day's outing. Leaning on the throttle is another story.