Is the one drive the alpha I or is it the pre alpha? I would think the straight six would likely be mated to a pre alpha and the four would likely be mated to an alpha I.
I do not know the exact year they the straight six ended or the exact year that the alpha I began.
The combination you have is going to be super slow. I am sure you will have a 15 pitch prop on that beast. 165HP is kinda weak of that size and quality construction boat.
The inline six engine from personal experiance and from reading on here is the most durable engine used in I/O setups. It still suffers from lack of maint and winterizing. You can do a search here and find out how to replumb the water supply thru the exhaust manifold. This will help keep it cool and keep if from cracking. A replacement manifold can run in the 500~600 range.
An aluminum Starcraft boat is likely one of the lightest boats available so I believe the power with the inline 6 would be more than adequate. If it's an old fiberglass Starcraft, then Ford is right. Which one do you have?
I have a 165 IL6, pre Alpha drive, using it since 1978. Motor just keeps on going. Good maintance practices, winterizing procedures, etc. Easy to rebuild carb if needed, replace float, tune up, starter and alternator easy to get to.
I would think the engine would be fine in that application. As stated in the previous posts you have a real workhorse which is economical, reliable, powerful and very simple to service and operate. Assuming no problems, start with a compression test, check the manifold, make sure you have it tuned up with a clean carb and clean gas and you should be fine.
