DO THIS FIRST
THEN DO THIS
Of course I did this reply mostly in jest,
but it worked out best for me.I yanked out the original Ford engine(first photo),and replaced it with a 350 GM (2nd photo)and am glad that I did.
I bought an older Chris Craft Scorpion(donor boat) with a rotted transom and used it for the GM engine,and Alpha outdrive.It only had 200 hours on it as the owner put in a new short block.
I bought the boat and trailer for 1500.00, used the engine and drive, and gave the rest of the boat and trailer away.It was an inexpensive deal.The guy I gave the ChrisCraft to
for free,made a center console out of it,he was happy
I had thought about keeping the original ford power plant,but it needed a fair amount of work,and it had a lot of hours on it.Parts for the Ford marine engines are much more difficult to find,as compared to GM.
As mentioned, parts for the GM are extremely easy to find,and the prices are reasonable as well.I'm a big Ford guy,but the GM 305-350's are a sweet running engine and have been around so long,and have such a proven history of durability,that I think it's the way to go.
Good luck with your project Btw,like Flexpat,I would have loved to put in a nice new 383 stroker,but it was out of my reach with the green backs