Re-powering!

cliffpaul2 · #1 12-28-2006, 01:19 PM

I haven’t posted for a while because last summer I lost my motor (a 1980, 305 Volvo Penta I/O), when it took in some salt-water somehow. My mechanic said there was water in the cylinders, etc, and it is a total loss, so I’m hoping to re-power sometime in the next several months. He quoted $9,000 for a new one (installed) and $7,500 for a remanufactured engine (installed). He uses top quality parts and I’m sure he would do a great job, but at those prices, I may not be able to afford to get it running again for a couple of years unless I raid my daughter’s college fund!

I love the boat and have put a lot of time into fixing up, and I really don’t want to get rid of it. I’m considering some options that I might choose if I can get the same result and save a few thousand dollars. I might buy a new, lightly used, or remanufactured motor somewhere else and try to find a less expensive way to have it installed, or just install it myself with some help. I would appreciate any suggestions on where to find good motors or installers, or warnings about the pitfalls I might be facing!

Please don’t turn this into a debate about converting the boat to an outboard with a bracket. It would be great, but I’ve already ruled it out and there have been plenty of posts about it anyway. I’m looking for advice about I/O’s.

Thanks!

macojoe · #2 12-28-2006, 02:57 PM

Have you looked in the bone yards for a good used motor?

If you can get a good running motor, and change all gaskets to marine, and replace all freeze plugs to marine, along with the oil pan from your old motor if aluminum. You should be fine.

It will get you buy for a few years I am sure. And if you do all the work I bet you can do it for $1,000 or so.

And if you haven't or don't know when the engine coupler was changed last do it now!!
I pulled my motor replaced it and the 2nd trip out the coupler went and I had to remove the motor again :(

Good Luck!

TheTinMan · #3 12-28-2006, 05:32 PM

Do those prices include a new outdrive too?

cliffpaul2 · #4 12-28-2006, 06:22 PM

Nope. Just the motor!

TheTinMan · #5 12-28-2006, 07:40 PM

I'm not too familiar w/ I/O's but that sounds like it's too high. Get a couple other quotes elsewhere to compare.

TheTinMan · #6 12-28-2006, 07:43 PM

Cliff, where you located? I just did a quick search;

Brand new 4.3 V6 Vortech, 230hp :) $2700

http://www.marineengine.com/cgi-bin/...ssion=$session

TheTinMan · #7 12-29-2006, 10:28 AM

Just read this on THT;

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...9&posts=10

cliffpaul2 · #8 12-29-2006, 09:04 PM

Insteresting discussion on the Hull Truth. Thanks for passing on the link. Now I have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into!

bigshrimpin · #9 12-31-2006, 03:27 AM

CP -

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/253623543.html

1977 Manta Ray - $1850
Reply to: [email protected]
Date: 2006-12-26, 11:02AM PST

I have a 1977 Manta ray 18' with a Volvo 200c V8 {great gas mileage for a V8}. It has a 280 Volvo Penta out drive. Comes with Tandem axel trailer, with good tires, PTI tags. The motor has been recently tuned up so if you like to fish, ski or just cruise it's ready to go. The carb was recently rebuilt. New deep cycle battery. Comes with a Humming Bird fish finder. I have all the life jackets that you will need, it also has a swim ladder. Some interior will need to be replaced.Like new bimini top. Lets make a deal. If you have questions, you can emaill me or if you would like more pics. Thanks for looking.

bigshrimpin · #10 12-31-2006, 03:30 AM

The trihulls are goldmines.

No one wants them - b/c they're ugly.
Floors and transoms are usually built like crap (rotting out).
Lots of them have well cared for Freshwater Volvo parts.

Yolo county landfill only charges $60 - 100 bucks to drop them off.

I don't know the differences b/w the Volvo 200c and your motor, but you'll get an extra 280 drive and get a chance to test it out.

I've been selling off some extra volvo parts on ebay and there's a pretty good market for the parts. Especially the upper drive units, props, and the trim systems.

That boat has a dual axle trailer (which you can unload for $500 - $800). I'll bet you'd make money on the deal if you talk him down to $1200 - $1400. Sell the trailer, electronics, outdrive, Teak swim platform, etc. It takes time, but if you're look at a few years w/o a boat . . . this might be a lost cost option.