Stuck 80 hp Mercruiser (Renault) - Options?

[Saltzman]

I have a friend who procured my help with his project boat--an old (mid 60's) 14' with an 80hp Mercruiser I/O. He got the boat for a little bit of nothing, however the lower unit was messed up. After acquiring a replacement lower unit, it was discovered that the engine was stuck... pretty badly. He's in love with the boat and really wants to fix it rather than cutting his losses and finding something else. So I come here seeking input on the best way to proceed...

My understanding is that the engine is actually a Renault... it appeared to be an aluminum block with steel cylinders. At minimum I think it would take new oversize pistons and a good bit of machine work. Are parts still available for these? If so, where would one look?

A maybe better (cheaper?) option would be to find another engine in running condition... any idea where we might be able to find one? Is there any chance the same blocks were also used in Renault cars and might be more plentiful in that form?

Or, would there be any possibility of repowering it with a completely different engine somehow? Pardon my ignorance--I've been wrenching on cars and farm equipment since I was a kid, but this is my first foray into marine stuff.

Any advice/input/assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Stuck 80 hp Mercruiser (Renault) - Options?

Is there room for a 2.5L in the engine compartment?
If so I'd recommend looking for a donor boat and doing a complete repower, transom plate, gimbal hsg and all.
14 foot?
Float the boat and get a 200 pound person standing on the engine to see how the boat would sit empty with the extra weight of a 2.5 or 3.0L

The last poster here offers an email address and info on the renault:
http://www.oldmarineengine.com/discus/messages/3454/6640.html

 

[Saltzman]

Re: Stuck 80 hp Mercruiser (Renault) - Options?

I don't know how the dimensions of a 2.5L would compare to the current, but the engine area is fairly open to the front and sides... the only real constraint might be height, as some of the exhaust and outdrive bits (and I think the rear of the engine) sort of tuck under the fiberglass of the hull.

Thanks for the link to the thread on that other board--I'll try contacting the people who posted and see what I can turn up.

Still looking for other advice/insight/etc if anyone has any...