replacing an 82' 470 merc

[ProudFather1215]

i have an 82 mercruiser 3.7/470 in my V20. as is common with the engines ive heard, my head gasket blew on me, and im not too thrilled about the prospect of throwing another 470 in there. especially considering i could get half way down my canal on the first trip, and have another gasket blow on me with my luck

are there any other engines that will be a direct replacement for the 470 that may not be plagued with as many issues, without having to do any extensive refitting/glassing of the hull or anything of the like. or am i pretty much looking at alot of time and $$ to install anything but another 470?