1988 221 iislander with 3.7

[greg crosby]

I'm am thinking of buying an islander with the 1988 3.7mercruiser. How scared should I be? Everything looks good, great shape,galv. trailer. Just got that 3.7. If I had to would a 3.0 be a good swap?Any particular year?

If the water pump and or seals are replaced early is there a way to avoid overheat problems?
One wire alternator can be grafted on?

What do you think?

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

Jump up to the Mercruiser section and ask this. They have way more knowledge than anyone.

My 2 cents is parts are hard to come by, but if you don't need parts you're ok. Does this have an aluminum head?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

Assuming you're specially looking for an Islander, I'd probably take the risk on the 3.7 but don't pay for it what you'd pay for one with a Chevy motor. As mentioned, the I/O guys will tell you more (they will probably tell you to RUN though). If you can get it for a nice price, do so but start saving your money for a 4.3 repower and/or keep your eye out for a donor boat with a 4.3 powertrain.

 

[greg crosby]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

Thank you. Will check for aluminum head. Good or bad? Don't need big power. New 3.0L won't go? Price with great trailer and boat in great shape probably $4,500?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

You don't need to check for an aluminum head. It has an aluminum head. The 470 was a Mercruiser design based on a oddball Ford made block. The dissimilar metals worked just great in a marine setting A 3.0 would be underpowered in that boat. Starcraft did put the 3.0 in some of the 22' hulls but it was undoubtedly a real dog.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

You don't need to check for an aluminum head. It has an aluminum head. The 470 was a Mercruiser design based on a oddball Ford made block. The dissimilar metals worked just great in a marine setting A 3.0 would be underpowered in that boat. Starcraft did put the 3.0 in some of the 22' hulls but it was undoubtedly a real dog.

A good 3.0 is not underpowered for a fishing boat. I run a 21 Cheiftain 1986, with 3/4 marine plywood floor, probably 20-40 lbs lead weights, full fishing gear, 15hp kicker, 38 gallons fuel, 4-200lb POBs, ice chest, anchor, and she runs just fine at 20-24 mph @ around 3,400- 3,800 rpms with a 19 pitch prop.
She tops out at 28-30 mph fully loaded, at sea level. Trolls great and is easy on fuel.
It however is not a ski boat, I hardly ever need more speed. I would not blink an eye to buy a 21-22' with a 3.0
The 4.3 would be nice, but going use some more fuel.
Just my experience and I have run my boat many hundreds of miles, put 120 miles on in just 3 days one year.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

You don't need to check for an aluminum head. It has an aluminum head. The 470 was a Mercruiser design based on a oddball Ford made block. The dissimilar metals worked just great in a marine setting .

You got it backwards EZ....
Block was Aluminum, and made by Mercury.
Cylinder head was iron, borrowed from a Ford 460.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

You got it backwards EZ....
Block was Aluminum, and made by Mercury.
Cylinder head was iron, borrowed from a Ford 460.

LOL, even dumber.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 1988 221 iislander with 3.7

LOL, even dumber.

And we all know the stupidity didn't stop there...