Surchin ...I also run a 78 470 that fortunately runs great. Recently picked up a 3.7LX 190hp fresh water low time engine for spare for 300 bucks...just sayin. If your are not in a hurry they are out there.

tw ya i guess thats another way to go - just keep shopping for one but man id hate to go through all that and buy a dog. There is nothing in my area and the pics i have seen of these do not seem worth the effort to purchase and ship one but i am open to any leads if you have any from your effort to get one.

Has anyone actually run a 3.0 and is it actually too little HP to push the boat?

A buddy of mine had one in a 17' bow rider .... It did great but that boat had less dead rise and less weight... It could plane a v20 but it would be a dog... Especially loaded heavy in big water.

ok i do load heavy and we do have nasty late afternoon conditions that i try to avoid.

just checking ebay here I see one for 2000+ just seems risky buying used motor i don't know how you reduce that risk.

just gotta wait to see the outcome from boat shop, not get ahead of myself.

Buying any used motor get a compression test before money changes hands.

If you do need an engine, heres al ittle reading for you regarding the 3.7L MERCRUISER engine. As to has anybody done one, I've only seen a handful of V-20's with one swapped in, and I believe tehy all said they were pretty underpowered, and only really suitable for calm waters. Your dropping back in power, and staying close to the same weight. The closest engine in power output to the 470 is the current 4.3L V6 which is the way most go for repowers when they give up on the 3.7L engine.

https://www.perfprotech.com/blog/tec...70-replacement

yup i have read that one a few times over the years ha, i think I'm at that point now though just a feeling...still have hope though, wait for he doctors orders next week.

Good news from boat shop. I had a bad out drive. Motor is ok. Ordering a new SEI out drive and keep her going
Thanks for advice
Until next time .....
Scott

All that worry for nuthin, well almost nothin'. Glad to hear it will be a fast & easy fix.

Update, SEI outdrive ordered and installed and it works great 1250$ parts plus labor. Really glad to have the boat back up for rest of summer!