inboard mechanics?

need to replace my engine in my 2000 Mastercraft. its a 310hp predator indmar. Any layed off mechanics need a winter project? I am probably as broke as you but I have to have the boat running by spring. Have to........

Lots of boat (and car) mechanics do side jobs....maybe try to find one in your area?

www.skidim.com I think sells engines

Where do you reside?

Petaluma

I doubt few people can do it on the side. The problem is clearing the motor over the gunnel. It takes a car lift, house/shop beam and a hoist, or something taller than a regular engine hoist. Unless you pull the wheels off and drop the trailer as low as possible. Of course a whole bunch of people could man handle it. Engines only weight 800 lbs.

Wish I could help, but my driveway wouldn't work nor would my engine hoist.

Might want to start spraying the nuts and bolts now with WD40 to help with the rust.

I know it has a ton of hours, but what happened to it? Worth rebuilding?

call these guys...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-7L-Inboard-V-Drive-MPI-Engine-SPORT-PAC-New_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem518f4394ffQQitemZ35 0295921919QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear#h t_3375wt_1111

Monk Marine.

I swaped my 350 out of my last boat w/no problem. I used a standard engine hoist too. It really was an easy job. No need to get raped at a dealer.

We used a $40 chain hoist from Harbor Freight and a big tree limb to get the 351 out of my brother's old Prostar years ago. It wasn't that tough & took maybe 2 hrs.

Took it to Bakes Marine in Issaquah & had their mechanic rebuild it in his spare time. Then he brought it back out & helped install it. I don't think Spencer is there any more but like someone else said, there are mechanics out there who will help you get it done. Put the word out locally, check Craigslist, etc. Car engines take the same skills to get it done.

Mike slams his boat bigtime. It's a hard life with them boys. Mike, where could the transplant take place? I can't do it at my place. Might be able to help.

Joe's back? Cool!

Not sure what kind of boat you used a regular engine hoist on. I tried it on two different types of boats and wound up using an automotive lift.

The chain hoist Bill is talking about is what I mentioned above. We used a beam but a big enough tree would work.

There is going to be some rusty bolts to deal with. That is just part of running in salt water. I have seen BMK boats rust holes right through the oil pans.

Heres a chain hoist.

Oh, and stubborn rusty bolts.... soak'em in PB Blaster. And hit'em with an impact wrench. HF has electric, battery & air impacts for cheap (for those of us who use it a few times a decade).

(Message edited by bill_airjunky on December 29, 2009)

iF you are really on a budget, check into the boat salvage place in Rancho Cordova near recycle road. They sell used boat parts like a car salvage yard.
http://www.boatrecycling.com

These places often swap motors for cheap, or at least the car places do. Might be worth the call and drive.

I guess I got lucky then. It was a 2001 Mobius V. I used a short chain, and jacked the nose all the way up. It cleared by 2 or 3 inches. Really was a piece of cake though.

$$7600!! that ebay guy can kiss it!!

shoot me an e-mail, im based out of walnut creek!