Replacement Engine

[oblivionboyj]

My boat is using an outboard right now, but I'm looking at options for putting an engine back in the engine compartment.
What are my options here?
What is a ballpark for what this will cost?
Would I be better off using the space for something else?
Thanks

[Badsanta]

If it had an inboard before, I would search your boat and find out what was in it first and then go from there to figure size and all. As for cost, alot depending on new or used. But then you can figure out what you need. Post your boay and year and someone here can help. The more info the better
.

[oblivionboyj]

It is a 1978 Columbia 8.7.

It is a possibility to me to buy the engine that came out of it, torn down and ready for rebuild, for $150. Should I just buy that engine and have it rebuilt?

[nimblemotors]

Originally Posted by oblivionboyj

It is a 1978 Columbia 8.7.

It is a possibility to me to buy the engine that came out of it, torn down and ready for rebuild, for $150. Should I just buy that engine and have it rebuilt?

that will most likely be the easiest and cheapest, but if it is missing parts, getting them can cost a lot of time and trouble and maybe money as well.
Often hard to tell when things are disassembled.
Check the cost to rebuild, might be a lot more than you think.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by oblivionboyj

It is a 1978 Columbia 8.7.

It is a possibility to me to buy the engine that came out of it, torn down and ready for rebuild, for $150. Should I just buy that engine and have it rebuilt?

With a new $8,000 engine you get a transmission too. A few more bucks for some new install goodies and you've got $10k into it. Your old engine might be rebuilt for $5K + transmission. Then you have some sort of re-built engine, depending on your engine builder of course. Even those with the best of intentions have problems, sometimes. I might add, so does the factory but it is spread out over a far greater number of engines. Your odds are better with a new engine.

[oblivionboyj]

Well, I guess that answers my question for the short term.
That cost is a little beyond what I want to pay (at this time).
The boat has an outboard that functions well.
I guess I will spend a few years with the boat as is, and upgrade later to the original configuration.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by oblivionboyj

My boat is using an outboard right now, but I'm looking at options for putting an engine back in the engine compartment.
What are my options here?
What is a ballpark for what this will cost?
Would I be better off using the space for something else?
Thanks

I replaced my shot-to-h-e-double hockeysticks saltwater cooled engine (13 hp, inadequate anyway) to a 20 hp, 3 cyl, freshwater cooled Yanmar two years ago.

The engine was about 7k and the installation was about 3k with $75 an hour labor plus parts. It took about five days.

It wouldn't have cost me much more to put in a 30 hp, but I just didn't have the room.

A carpenter friend gave me the extra 2" I needed in width by building a box extension in the front panel of the engine wall that managed to fit under the companionway steps. To go to the 30 would have required more extensive rebuilding of the engine compartment, ,and it also would have made it hard to get into the galley.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by oblivionboyj

It is a 1978 Columbia 8.7.

It is a possibility to me to buy the engine that came out of it, torn down and ready for rebuild, for $150. Should I just buy that engine and have it rebuilt?

Get a formal opinion from a certified marine engine mechanic.

[perchance]

Originally Posted by oblivionboyj

Well, I guess that answers my question for the short term.
That cost is a little beyond what I want to pay (at this time).
The boat has an outboard that functions well.
I guess I will spend a few years with the boat as is, and upgrade later to the original configuration.

You could buy the engine and rebuild at your leisure and as funds allow.

[oblivionboyj]

Originally Posted by perchance

You could buy the engine and rebuild at your leisure and as funds allow.

That was one of the things I was considering.
I'm am a licensed aircraft mechanic/inspector by trade.
Its been a while since I overhauled a reciprocating engine, but I'm sure I still could.

[model 10]

Unless you are one of the few well to do A&P IA's around you might easily do your own ovhl. The whole process is much the same as doing a small aircraft engine ovhl. You send out all the parts for repair and then put it all together.
Spare little expence on crankshaft, cylinder head, and fuel system repair, use good practice and there you go.

[FLLCatsailor]

Just be aware that repower... You won't get your money out of it when selling the boat. If this is going to be your boat for the next 10 years ok, but if you are going to sell in less than 5 years... Not worth the cost... Stick with the outboard...

[rubyjean]

Originally Posted by oblivionboyj

It is a 1978 Columbia 8.7.

It is a possibility to me to buy the engine that came out of it, torn down and ready for rebuild, for $150. Should I just buy that engine and have it rebuilt?

What type & model is the re-build??? This can make a huge difference... Michael..

[oblivionboyj]

Originally Posted by rubyjean

What type & model is the re-build??? This can make a huge difference... Michael..

I honestly don't know, but will find out today.

[oblivionboyj]

I have decided to go ahead an buy the engine that came out of my boat (the one I mentioned that was torn down for rebuild that will cost $150).

The engine is an Atomic 4...
Universal Atomic 4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The seller also turned me on to a parts and service source (which is is incidentally in my neck of the woods)...
Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Engine Rebuilding and Parts

The only item missing from the engine is a thermostadt, which will be a $37 item.
The seller says I will need to have the cylinder resleeved, but otherwise this engine is repairable.
My research is telling me that resleeving will cost around $150.
If we assume my time is worth nothing (which we will for the purposes of this discussion) I may be able to overhaul this engine for under $1000.
This is clearly going to be my lest expensive option.