Merc 3.0 with a water filter?

[jacobmorin]

I am looking to purchase a 98' Regal that has a 3.0 inboard Merc motor. I have never owned an inboard before, so your help would be greatly appreciated.

The current owner stated that a couple of years back the boat wasn't running great so they took it to a Marina and the marina instaled a water filter? Apparently, this water filter is contected to the engine and now the motor runs fine. Is this common? Should I be worried that there is more wrong with the engine than this?

Also, how is the regal brand boat? This one is the Regal 1700 LSR.
Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 3.0 with a water filter?

I think he may have meant a Water seperating fuel filter. Not a water filter.
The 3.0L engines did not and do not come with an engine mounted Water seperating fuel filter like all the V engines do. Then when water gets into the fuel tank (common problem on boats) the water gets in the carb and the engine won't run.
The filters should be replaced yearly, usually during winterization, and checked for water.