Tsunami I.O engine repower question

[bigeasy1]

Similar to the post by want to fish,I'm also looking for a repower.I'm a newbe to the site and posted a few pics of my new Tsunami a few days ago.Thanks all for the kind words.

Anyway,we pulled the engine out this past weekend,which was a 351 ford.We tried starting it before we pulled it just for ha ha's but it wouldn,t fire,maybe because it sat outdoors for the last five years.
I'm going to keep the boat as an I.O. and was thinking of going with a 5.7 GM engine and a Bravo 2 drive.What horsepower would i need to push it at a decent speed?,and should i go carbureated or fuel injection.
I don't have unlimited funds,so i'd like to go with a remanufactured engine and drive if possible.I know that i'm way ahead of myself here,as i have a lot of restoratin work to do,but figured if i found something at a good price,i could buy it and put it aside until needed.
Also i'm very capable of doing the glass work,and all the other mechanicals,electrical etc,but i'm no expert in sterndrives,so i'd like to find someone who could do everything from the sale to the installation.If anyone can share their thoughts and opinions on the best affordable powerplant & drive package,horsepower,and name of a dealer or mechanic,it would be much appreciated.

Also,i'm not sure if the engine i pulled out was winterized but i don't see any visible cracks.It turns over fine,and there was no water in the cylinders.The manifolds are in nice shape,and it has a nice Edlebrock 4bbl marine carb that has hardly any use.I don't want to use this engine and would like to sell it.What would be the best way to sell it EBAY,Want Ads or something else?Here's a pic of the engine.

Thanks guys
John R.

[abl1111]

I re-did my 23 Tsunami w/ a fresh 5.7 FI Mercruiser (freshwater cooled) and a Bravo 3 ( I think w/ 24 pitch props ). I love it - it's the way to go. I played w/ the Bravo 2 idea for a long time; longer drive, bigger prop - built like a tank. It's not a bad option, but I was talked out of it for the BR 3 and am very glad. No direct comparison between the two drives, it's just that the BR 3 handles GREAT - I have no complaints other than the fear of electrolysis/corrosion - which I have none of so far - 3 years in the water from April-Dec.

One thing I would do - paint the drive and gimbal BEFORE you install it all. The fact. finish is nice if you trailer, but if you plan on docking/mooring her - the fact. finish is a joke against growth. Spray it up nice w/ the best antifouling $ can buy...

[bigeasy1]

Thanks abl1111,I'll be using this boat strictly for great lakes(lake Ontario)fishing,salmon trolling,so it will never see salt water.
I presently keep my current boat on a trailer at the lake and only keep it in the water for a week at a time when i make a trip about one a month.I will be doing the same with the seacraft,until i move up that way a few years from now,at which point i will keep it in all season.
What do you get for speed with your 5.7 ?,and is the Bravo three a lot better in manuverability in docking than the Bravo 2?
Thanks
John R.

[abl1111]

Speed @ top end at about 45 pmh on a flat day ( 4500 RPM ). I cruise at 26-28 mph @ 3100 RPM. She burns approx 8-10 gallons an hour @ that speed.

I cannot compare the two drives. I can tell you that I am blown away by the responsiveness and power of the Bravo 3. Turns on the dime, accelerates out of the hole like a shot ! Great reverse performance and when docking, I have 100% full control - she responds exactly the way I want her to.

My buddy owned a 23 Chris Craft Lancer w/ the same package, but w/ a carb, salt water cooled and a Bravo 2 . He loved it! Said he got GREAT gas milage ( better than mine ) and had a lot of torque ( it's a huge prop ). I did a lot considering before I chose the Bravo 3. If I were to do it all over again, I'd go with the same thing I have !