Need advice on replacing engine

stuart52 · 07-07-2009, 09:16 PM

I am new to the forum (just found it) and not sure if I should post my question here or in engines, I can repost if its in the wrong place. I need some advice from Mariah owners who know more than I do (most anyone fits the bill).

I have been a very happy owner of a 1994 Mariah 202, 5.0L EFI (might be 5.4L) for the past 10 years. I LOVE THIS BOAT

and use it in Lake Tahoe, CA.

Unfortunately, due to other priorities it has sat in my driveway for the last 2 years and when I took it to a very reputable marine shop (my old one went bankrupt), to check it out before using it this year, he said it had a cracked block and I needed a new engine. I looked at the crack and he is right, also, its on the inside so I think a quick weld fix won't work. (I am not very knowledgeable on Marine engines, but I have done a little internet research).

The mechanic wants to put in a new engine for $6K total. Says a rebuilt or used would only be a bit less (~ $5K) and not worth it on such a nice boat. Interior is in good shape (not great). He says its a great boat and well worth putting in a new engine and that if I end up selling it, with the new engine it would be sell for around $11K-$12K, so its better than trying to sell it with a cracked engine.

Questions are:

1. Is the price for a new engine installed sound about right or out of line?
2. Does it make sense to replace the engine or just move on and buy another used boat. (I purchased this one for ~ $10K in 99)

Other comments and opinions that can help me are much appreciated

Thanks.
Stuart

Z 202 · 07-07-2009, 11:16 PM

If I was spending your money I'd go for a new 5.7L. You said you loved the boat; so you should treat it nice...

If the rest of the boat has been well maintained, and you intend to keep it for a while there's no reason not to repower. If it's a typical Mariah, the hull is probably still in excellent condition, and any interior issues can be attended to. Even at 14yrs old, people still tell me I have the nicest looking boat in the marina. If only they also knew how well it rides!

I'm obviously not up on your local market for marine service, but I'm sure it pays to get a few estimates on your various options.

stuart52 · 07-07-2009, 11:21 PM

Z202, thanks for the feedback. From your picture (avatar), looks like we have the same "teal" like color, another part of the boat I love as I am a SJ Sharks Hockey fan.

s.a.charlie · 07-08-2009, 01:24 PM

I would go with the 5.7 moter same block same weight more HP!!!

bigv8 · 07-08-2009, 01:34 PM

IMHO, it is well worth it to re-power one of these boats, regardless of model/year. If you leave the entire job up to a shop, you'll likely pay through the nose for it. $6000 sounds a bit inflated to me. For that kind of money, there better not even be a speck of dust in the bilge when they finish.

I've gone through this exact experience this year. I sourced a rebuilt engine for $1500 and paid a shop another $1500 to remove/install. Then again, I know everything is more expensive in CA.

I'd definately get a few estimates.

Z 202 · 07-08-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuart52

Z202, thanks for the feedback. From your picture (avatar), looks like we have the same "teal" like color, another part of the boat I love as I am a SJ Sharks Hockey fan.

Mariah lists the colour as "Jade", and yes it does look sharp. Click on the"My Mariah" link in my signature for a better look. I get plenty of compliments on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by s.a.charlie

I would go with the 5.7 moter same block same weight more HP!!!

Exactly. The 5.7 has .7 more!

Besides it's great match to the 202...

stuart52 · 07-08-2009, 08:35 PM

Turns out I did have a 5.7L EFI (throttle body), I am looking into rebuilts as well as new, but looks like with the inspection work already done, it will be between $4K-$6K, and since this shop comes highly recommended in my area, I will probably stay with him, but might switch from a new engine from Mercruiser (in his original quote) to a rebuilt. A lot of people recommend MichiganMotorz and their rebuilt would save me ~ $1K over a new Mercruiser. thanks again for the help and encouraging me to do "the right thing"