[tci.miketams@gmail.com]

I have a Z302 with a shot mercruiser engine. I live in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. There is no decent inboard specialist on the islands but loads with outboard experience. Has anyone tried converting their mariah to take twin outboards.
If not has anyone got any technical drawings of the stern to see if Armstrong can make me an engine bracket.
Regards, Mike

[Z275]

I'm somewhat familiar with the design of the transom on the Z302 and can't imagine how this could be done properly since you have an integrated swim deck area. I'm pretty sure it was not designed to carry that kind of load and you would be putting all that weight back much further than it would normally be on a boat designed for outboards which would cause some serious planing and handling problems. That's just my opinion of course!

[ShabahZ250]

Hello from the land of snow! I'm so jealous you live in the caribbean, and I'll probably not be the first member on the board to tell you that!

You've got a very interesting situation, however I would not look into replacing the engine with twin outboards. It will end up literally destroying that boat. The Z302 is a beautiful boat in every aspect, we'll help you figure out what needs to be done.

First off, we'll need some information.

-What motor is currently in it?
-What makes you think it's shot? (Does it just not start, or does it have a piston sticking out of the block?) Did it ever run?
-Have you tried locating a service facility on any of the surrounding islands? How far southeast are you of the Bahamas? There has to be someone with sterndrive experience around you.
-How mechanically inclined are you, is it engine repair something you feel confident enough you could do yourself?

Secondly, let's consider the options.

-Engine Repair - If you can find a shop that's capable of repairing it, this will most likely be the easiest thing. They can pinpoint and repair just the part you need replaced.

-Engine Replacement - You can buy replacement or rebuilt engines from many different sources, including Mercruiser. This involves removing the existing engine and mounting an identical replacement in it's place. This is most likely the most cost-effective solution as you won't need to change things like engine mounts, transmission and driveshaft adapters. You remove your existing motor, mount the new motor in, and reconnect all your parts. It's pretty straightforward if you've got an exact replacement, a Mercruiser Service Manual, and all the tools to remove the engine, including a hoist.

-Repower - Depending on what motor was originally in the boat, you may find it beneficial to repower by choosing a completely different motor. A few of our European members have swapped out their Gas engines for Diesels due to the fuel constraints. You can also swap for a larger more powerful engine, or a smaller engine. However with the Z302 I wouldn't recommend anything less than a 5.7L engine as it will be grossly underpowered. There are many companies who make aftermarket engines, including Crusader, who make a pretty good product based upon what I've seen. Choosing the Repower option will definitely be the most expensive option available as there is a lot of custom work that goes into this. However, if you plan on keeping the boat for a while, it might be the best option.


Also, did a search on the Mercruiser Website, you might want to try and contact this dealer.

Sherlock Walkin & Sons
P.O. Box 583, Blue Hill Road
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
Phone: 1-649-946-4411
Fax: 1-649-946-4945
walkinmarine@tciway.tc


Good luck with it, and keep us all updated!

[mikeyt]

I dont think i would even consider swapping over to a pair of outboards on that boat. I agree that the boat simply wasn't designed for outboards and it would cause a problem with handling & balance, you would have a major repair / rework of the transom area if you attempted it and you would still have to remove the existing power plant anyway. The cost would be prohibitive and it would ruin the boat and lower the re-sale value considerably as well as possibly make it 'un-insurable' because of the significance of the changes.

[tci.miketams@gmail.com]

I had a feeling this would be the reply, but I was reluctant to go inboard again as the salt water just seems to get in all the electrics and there so awkward to work on.
Know any good sites for a replacement mercruiser 5.7 efi bravo 111 drive engine.
Mike

[ShabahZ250]

There are many places to get a replacement 5.7L here in the US, however I'm not sure what would work for you in your location. I'd try and call that Sherlock Walkin & Sons Mercruiser Dealer and see what they recommend, they could possibly even get one for you, or suggest an alternative. If they don't help you, we'll help you get set up with somebody here on the mainland who can help.

As far as saltwater goes, there's a system that Volvo Penta makes as part of their QL line that is designed to help flush your system of saltwater. It's called the "Neutra-Salt" system. It's really cool, it has a plastic reservoir that contains a salt neutralizing concentrate. It's electrically controlled by a switch which can be located at the helm of the boat. You press and hold the switch down for around 45 seconds, with the engine running. It injects the concentrate into the water intake of the engine, which neutralizes the salt and turns it to freshwater. Basically it's like an in-water flush for your boat, much like running a boat on the muffs with a hose out of water. It's very cool, and pretty affordable, it's around $230 USD. Attached is a PDF file that explains the Neutrasalt system.

[indykoch]

You could also get a "closed loop cooling" system with the new engine and never worry about the saltwater other than the outdrive.

[tci.miketams@gmail.com]

Thanks guys for your help, the cooling system is a closed loop the problem is the salt in the air and spray which just seems to get at the electrics and engine even though it is covered. The local Mercruiser dealer only wants to deal with outboards and will not even look at inboards. The 'mechanics' down here are not skilled and just happy using a hammer and trial and error to find the problems.
The engine filled up with water and not sure if it is just a head gasket or something more serious. Tried to take the head off in situ but found most of the heads had rusted off on the exhaust manifold bolts. The engine has to come out now and would not trust anyone here to repair it .
The engine is a 5.7 Efi and those that I have seen are Mpi, are the electrical connections etc. going to be the same. I know it would certainly give a bit more power.
Any suppliers for recon. engines in the Florida area?