Thanks for the info it was really helpfu, island trader, are u running a 383 strikers @350hp on a b3 drive that's some serious speed

Yep, except running a bravo 1

Well got some news back form the doctor, Seems that the boat I bought is in some serious need of tlc. The engine is shot but the out drive is good.. The transom needs replaced and the floors are going to have to be rehabbed,,, I have not checked out the tank yet but i am expecting the worst... Would really like to sell the outdrive and scrap the motor.. replace the transom and add a bracket with an outboard.. what do you think.. up for suggestions

Sorry to hear that news.

I like your plan. Somebody will want that B2 drive, they are heavy duty and bulletproof. Albeit, that are for HEAVY applications only, like houseboats, displacement hulls, etc.

Did you sea trial the boat? or just bought it assuming the engine was toast?

Well when I got my boat I pulled the complete drive train and then put it Craigslist and sold it within a couple of days.

Same question did you by a pig in the poke or actually know what you were getting?

Start reading the rebuild threads and get the saw out...

you should ask yourself that question...

sit down,honestly acess your skills - "honestly" is the key word there...

no matter which way you go,you're gonna be spending money - a good piece of money...

as far as power's concerned,you can purchase a motor from merc - in my opinion,that's the best choice - that engine is available as a "drop in" - that's the most cost effective method.otherwise,you're looking at the expense of an outboard,controls,harness,guages,hydraulic steering,outboard bracket - that will far exceed the cost of a replacement engine...

as far as what's required for deck replacement,transom replacement,fuel system repalcement - that's up to you,and your abilities...


the other side of the coin is,with the current market being what it is,you can buy a finished rig,ready to fish,for way less than what you're gonna spend,getting that rig in "fishable" condition...