First boat ever. Bought Aug. 1 2001. I was the happiest person in the world. I bought it from the biggest liar in the world.<br /><br />1st week, engine temperature too high. "it's just a bad gauge, I have one at home I'll give you" said the liar<br /><br />2nd week, showing off boat to the wife, engine siezes. Towed in by police. Engine started after cooling down.<br /><br />3rd week. Zebra mussels plugging water intake. engine siezes. cools down,restarts, get back to my slip.<br /><br />next day, outdrive gears fly apart. no oil in outdrive.<br /><br />4th week. outdrive rebuilt 1700.00 can. engine throws a rod.<br /><br />5th week. put in used engine 1900.00 can.<br /><br />6th week. new starter<br /><br />7th week. new alternator<br /><br />8th week. marina pulls floating docks from water so my boat has to come out.<br /><br />I paid 12,000 for boat. I've spent almost 3,000 in repairs, and I,ve had less than 10 hours under power. Oh yea, the slip cost me 700.00 for 2 months.<br /><br />Now that I've had time to reflect, I see that I have been stroked by anyone I thought was trustworthy. Is this an inherent quality in "marine mechanics?"<br /><br />The boat had a 140 omc engine. The boat never went faster than 16 mph without red lining. It has been suggested the I put a V6 in it. I know someone who will sell me one.<br /><br />I want to put a 350 in, and I need to know the following for free(i'm broke)<br /><br />Can I put 350 in an 86 bayliner ciera 21.5 ft<br />Does the transom have to be modified<br />What outdrive do I need<br />New vs used<br />availability<br />how fast can I expect to go<br />what mileage to expect<br /><br />I REALLY need to know this stuff because what should have been my best summer ever has left me saddened and mistrustful of anything with the word "marine" associated with it.<br /><br />PS. pass the hat for me. that boat literally broke me. thank god I don't have a mortgage or kids.
