Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

[m*a*baity]

Didin't know much about the boat when I boat it for $800. Spent $400 in cosmetics and getting it running. 1981 Caravelle 17ft. Had a loud chugging noise coming out of it. Had a mechanic take a look. Cracked block. Had been JB welded one time already. He had a 1986 starcraft with a very strong sounding Merc 140. The boat itself wasn't much but the motor sounded great, a lot better than mine. Offered to sell me the 86 starcraft for $1000 and change the motor over to my Caravelle. Is that a bad deal? Just asking some of you guys to get your opinion. I feel like its a good deal, is it? The outdrive is an Alpha One and it sucks water through muffs better than mine did. I heard it run and it sounds great, good loud exhaust. Oh yeah, and he's giving me a one year warranty on the motor and his work. What you guys think? Please let me know!! Thanks, Mark

 

[billy boater]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

1000 bucks doesent sound bad at all. so let me get this right he wants to sell u the entire boat for that much? if so i would say do it just the motor and outdrive is worth that much. that way u have spare outdrive,alt,starter,carb and so on. might not be a bad idea to ask him to do a compression test on the new motor just to be safe. but install and a 1 year warranty u cant go wrong. i think u would be crazy not to do that deal

 

[m*a*baity]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

1000 bucks doesn't sound bad at all. so let me get this right he wants to sell u the entire boat for that much? if so i would say do it just the motor and outdrive is worth that much. that way u have spare outdrive,alt,starter,carb and so on. might not be a bad idea to ask him to do a compression test on the new motor just to be safe. but install and a 1 year warranty u cant go wrong. i think u would be crazy not to do that deal

That makes me feel better. wonder what I can get for the hull and the trailer? Here's a pic of it. Thought about leaving motor in it and using it. All it needs is interior and I can do that, no problem! I think he was needing the space at his shop. Seems like a knowledgeable guy. Spotted my cracked block as soon as it fired up. Said he went to Mercruiser school. I will see!

 

[billy boater]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

i guess its up to u what boat is better and what u want. i would check for rot in both boats floor,transom and so on and see which one i better. the boat u wont get anything for unless u get lucky and find somone who wants it u never know it wouldent be a bad idea to throw it on cragslist or somthing. but the tralier u can get some good money for sure.

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

I agree with Billy B check for rot, but no matter what that is a excellent price just for the engine and outdrive alone and change it over for you. I would jump and fast for that price !

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

Ditto on last two posts check out the floors do a compression check and if all is good run the Starcraft and use the other for parts and pieces or sell the parts and pieces, you might be surprised as to how much of your money you will get back.

 

[m*a*baity]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

I kept the 81 caravelle. Didn't wanna have to pull that bigger boat to go to the lake every time. Outdrive wouldn't interchange so I swapped the motors and sold the boat for 350. Got 650 in a used running engine. Found out the head gasket was blown, not a cracked block in the bad motor. but still I didn't get hurt too bad. As long as it pulls me around the lake. I still have less than 2000 in a 17ft Fish and ski. Is that bad for a 1981?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

Hey,It floats and runs for 2k after the swap....still not a bad deal...

 

[danond]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

Heh. There are no "good deals" when it comes to boats. If it's a good deal, it's broken. If it's too expensive, that's what you would've paid in the end anyway.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

So this guy is going to sell you the boat, do the work, and warranty a 23 year old motor for 1000 bucks?

What's it going to cost you to trash the old hull?

 

[Robj]

Re: Cracked Block Merc 140 Bad Deal?

Just the re and re work is worth it and you get a good motor as well. He had to remove 2 motors and install one. You got a good deal.

Have a great day,

Rob.