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Hello everyone. New to the post. Lots of great info.
Was wondering if anyone has an opinion (and I know you do, lol) on the most reliable maker of gas inboards. No diesels please. I can't afford one!
I am considering buying and repower a boat with a single straigt inboard. It currently has an older volvo with the chevy block. It's pretty clapped out though.
There are plenty of Mercruiser gas engines kicking around, a tried and true design and easy availablity of parts. My only tip is, buy new if you can afford it. Rebuild quality depends on the guy who rebuit it. Just saw a rebuilt that was installed last years back in the shop with the boat high and dry.
I'll second Crusaders. My father had 1500 hrs. on his twin 270s when he sold the boat and they never missed a beat! They were carbuerated and got VERY thirsty about 3200.
It gives very good information. Basically states that the engine is only as good as the sum of it's parts. Evidently, Crusader uses the best parts, so....
What type of boat is it and what type of performance are you expecting....i have a 24' topaz straight inboard and love it....mine is diesel though so can't answer your actual question...
I would go with Crusader. I currently have a Crusader in my boat and am considering purchasing a new used boat within the next two years. One of the items I will be looking for will be Crusader engines. I have had Mercrusers, OMC and a friend has a volvo. Crusader has them all beat for my money. Check out Dave Pacco's web site that GW204 sent you.
Have had twin Mercruisers small blocks V-8's on my Carver with absolutely no problems for 13 years. This year I am rebuilding one carburetor(haven't been changing the water separator filters the last few years and I think that was the main problem).
I think more important than the brand is the proper "gearing" for to the boat - especially the propeller/transmission combo. My engines are never "lugged" I run them between 3300 and 3900 at all times when on plane. Even fully loaded getting on plane they rev-up quickly. I have seen other boatowners prop their boats "to keep the rpms's down". That is ridiculous.
Given a choice, err on the side of the smaller pitch (lower gears) (more take-off power and less top end speed) and your engines will last longer even though you will be turning more rpms per mile and possibly losing a ltittle fuel economy. On the other hand you don't want to exceed the manufacturers max rpms. Boat engines are inherently running under more constant strain than comperable automobile engines so you will be operating them at higher rpms.
Also, make sure to get fuel injection and electronic ignition. These are more important factors than the brand - but still test drive and make sure the engines are not lugging as you are pushing the most water and moveing up to plane.
You can always change the prop later but I think that most major manugacturers are pretty good at sizing props with the engines - although they often try to sell you undersized engines - especially with outboards.
Bottom line (my opinion)
Most important than brand is to get the proper "gearing" - engine/ trans/ prop/pitch which will show up in the ease of getting on plane.
Next - get large enough engines for the boat and make sure you have fuel injection and electronic ignition - hoperfully distributerless ( I am not up totally on the latest inboard boat engine technologies).
Others on this forum can give better advice on what size engines to get for what boat, but my twin merc 230's seem to be just perfect for my 5 ton Carver with about a 10 degree hull and 11 ft beam.
Likewise the Twin Evinrudes 250's on my 28 ft Hydrasport which is slightly lighter but less beamy and much deeper V are the engines to have for that rig. My 19 ft Bayliner is way overpowered with one 130 Johnson but is lots of fun and that engine will probably last forever on that rig.
Finally, Mercruiser inboards have been around a ling time and with FWC and the correct props and operation they may be a good choice.
Tom or gw203. About Crusaders. Do they still make them? I did a little research on the net and it appears that the mother company was purchased. Do you know of any dealers in Florida?
LI Sound Grunt. Thanks for the info. I told my friend who owns a marina about the motor and the top end of maybe 18 knots and he suspected a prop. problem. I am having the compression checked on the current engine and kind of hope it checks out bad if you know what I mean. I am hoping I can repower and expect a solid 20 crusing speed.
90% of the gas powered marine V-8's are based on the Chevy small block. What makes the difference in brands, is the drive and accessories. Any marine built small block would be a good replacement if the drive does not have to be replaced.
Most marine mechanics love Mercruisers because they give them lots of job security. That's why they call 'em "big black boat anchors". I have a Marine Power 5.7 Liter engine in my Albemarle but if I ever repower it again a Volvo 5.7L will go back in. They are extremely reliable, well enginered and have better fuel economy than similar powered engines.
