23 Sceptre with twin 3.7 mercruiser 165 hp i/o

[fdheld34]

Looking at a 23 Sceptre with twin 3.7 mercruiser 165 hp i/os. Was this power package an option?...owner states they are original. Are these motors reliable....are parts easy to find...any concerns with these motors and performance numbers etc?
Thanks in advance,
-Fred

[fdheld34]

I did some research...not too many positive things said about these engines!
-Fred

[krisis7]

plan on repower

[77SceptreOB]

I think those are the big 4 cyl Mercruiser/ fords. (Half of the big block 460 cubic inch Lincoln engine) pretty sure they were a factory option in the mid to late 70's. Not sure about performance and/or reliability though...

[77SceptreOB]

I think those are the big 4 cyl Mercruiser/ fords. (Half of the big block 460 cubic inch Lincoln engine) pretty sure they were a factory option in the mid to late 70's. Not sure about performance and/or reliability though...

Just looked it up, the above is the Merc 470 (170hp based on a 4 cyl 224ci engine) it was an option in 1977, was $19,460 list price boat with dual engines.

[77SceptreOB]

Dual 165hp were an option also. They were based on the 250ci I-6 Chevy engine. I had one of those in a 17 Stingray, great engine, never had a problem. Smooth and reliable, albeit a little heavy.

[fdheld34]

Jim...thanks for the info..I am going to pass on this one....
You too Denny "Bushwacker"!!!!!
-Fred

[hiliner222]

The L-6 250cid Gm Engines are great. The 470s are JUNK! RUN away Fast. IMO