Inboard Question

[CValle]

Just purchased a 1977 23' with a Mercury 5.7 inboard. Looking to repower this winter. I am contemplating installing Mercury's 350mpi engine. Any thoughts, comparisions, things to be aware of? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

[1bayouboy]

I dropped the 350MAG Horizon/Bravo I package in a 24' WAC....it's a good package....the merc's have Smartcraft and these gauges are awesome (but not cheap)...the fuel burn accuracy is amazing.

[GetReel]

If you go MPI/EFI the high pressure injection system might have a return line off it for unspent fuel, I did not catch this on my Marine Power, so had to 'T' into the vent lines to return the hot fuel to the tank which was not an ideal situation and created venting issues. I later pulled my tanks and had a return line pick-up nipple welded in each. I think that the Mercs have taken care of this with a cooling pot. Because the unspent fuel is hot, it cannot go directly back into the fuel feed line to the engine. Also, I would try to get a 'top mounted' starter to improve access to the starter. Because the bilge is so shallow relative to the tranny and starter, the starters get moisture 24/7 and the access panel in the deck also allows water flow onto the starter area.

The elbow room is limited below decks so whatever you can do to improve access to critical functions is a big plus. I'm not looking forward to replacing the oil cooler...

[Gary Hill]

I was told when looking at packages that there is a way to put the return in line where you fuel the boat from, and I wasn't really looking for fuel injection, I didn't go any further on checking that out.