How many hours will an engine run?

hyperlite2144 03-12-2003, 6:33 PM

I am looking to buy a used boat.
How many hours will an engine run before it needs to be replaced?
if you want to e-mail me it is below
hyperlite214@hotmail.com
thanks
jj

(fogey) · (fogey) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 03-12-2003, 7:37 PM

It depends on how it was driven and maintained. Lots of WOT, infrequent oil changes, inadequate octane gas (on non-computer engines) and overheating events can drastically reduce engine life. Some also say Ford engines tend to last a little longer than GM engines in marine applications.

Other threads have suggested 2000 hours or more may be feasible with well-maintained and cared-for V8 engines. Friends who have been in boating a long time have told me 1500 hours is more likely.

flipout 03-12-2003, 8:17 PM

One of the guys who introduced me to this sport "craze" back in 1991 told me that most v8 motors will be good for 2000 hours. He replace his motor two years ago with 2500 hours. his boat was a malibu shier.

(cyclonecj) · (cyclonecj) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 03-12-2003, 8:56 PM

Mine won't even need plugs until 1000 hours.
Toyota.

(jayc) · (jayc) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 03-13-2003, 4:05 AM

2500 on my MC before it needed top end rebuild.

(jess) · (jess) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 03-13-2003, 5:23 AM

We had 1100 on our MC before we sold it this spring. Not one problem, but it was well maintained. Our dealer has an old MC with over 3000 hours and it runs fine as well.

(nut) · (nut) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 03-13-2003, 5:32 AM

A friend of mine is a commercial waterman here in Maryland. He has a small but heavy workboat that he runs 5 to 6 days a week. He has a 351 PCM motor. Basically the same motor that a lot of us have. He just replaced his risers at 10,000 hours. Granted a lot of his hours are spent trolling, but it usually runs under a load. The motor still fires right up, and runs like a top. Who knows how long one of these things can last?

(siuski) · (siuski) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 03-13-2003, 6:20 AM

You also have to consider the transmission when looking at a used boat. We had a trany fail with under 1000 hours on the boat back in college. It was an expensive fix. I have heard that tranys should be rebuilt around 1500 hrs. But they could last longer if they have been maintained.

(matt_h) · (matt_h) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 03-13-2003, 6:23 AM

Over heating, or improper winter storage is usually the death of an engine, not hours, if you get a used high hour boat replace the thermostat, and impeller before you do anything.

sandman 03-13-2003, 8:50 AM

Before buying anything with over 500hrs on it I would recommend taking it to a reputable dealer and have them run a compression check. Will cost much less than a rebuild.

(paublo) · (paublo) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 03-13-2003, 10:35 AM

On the shared ownership houseboat that I manage, we replaced the engines and outdrives at around 2000 hours (that took 5 years). We did a scheduled replacement, rather than have one fail midseason. I'm told that you can normally expect anywhere from 1500 to 2500 hours if they are maintained. I know that at the higher hours they burn more oil and you see more vibrations, etc. You can always squeeze out more hours if you want to do rebuilds and more repairs. We also found out it is a lot cheaper to buy an engine and outdrive together rather than separately.

(wiltok) · (wiltok) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 03-13-2003, 10:45 AM

Does anyone know what the compression range is for a Indmar 310 Predator (MC)?

(blastmaster) · (blastmaster) **Join Date: Aug 2001** 03-13-2003, 11:37 AM

Sold my 83 Natique with 1680 hrs on it 2 years ago. Smoked little bit on acceleration but ran awesome. Had 351 PCM by the way.