My boat is getting hammered at "360 TUNA"

[Dr. Hook]

Those guys are being overly dramatic about the mercruisers, I don’t have any experience with your older model but saying getting towed back every outing is nonsense. Lots of guys around here running old I/O motors.
Sure a nice new outboard is ideal but we know that’s big $$.
Long as you’ve got your kicker outboard to get you back your good.

Boating doesn’t have to cost a mint.. lots of fun can be had on old boats and motors.
A comparable new boat to a V would cost what, 50k? Guys who spent that just don’t like seeing someone having the same fun for 5-10 K.

I’ve got an 86 V that the previous owner took out the original OMC I/O , replaced transom and installed a more modern 5.7 mercruiser and alpha one. That may be an option to consider if you are replacing transom. Lots of used 4.3, 5.0, and 5.7 motors around for reasonable prices.

With your experience in restoring and building boats I imagine you will do well with this project. The fact is most of those naysayers couldn’t do it or are too lazy or scared.