Inboard motor update ??s

[62 woodie]

I have a 62 Higgins 17' inboard with a 250 ci Graymarine V8. The motor is in need of some costly repairs. Im thinking about updating with a small block Chevy set-up. The boat currently has a 1.1 Velvet drive and a 12/12 prop.

My question is , Ive seen a couple of motor setups with other trans ratios... will another ratio work?, and can/should I change prop also?

I would like to be able to run in the mid 40 mph range or so. Also capable of pulling an occasional skier.

Any thoughts,/ ideas would be welcome!!! :confused:

Thanks! Steve

[ion barnes]

Until someone more knowledgable stops by, I would suggest Dave Gerr's book about propellers. As well, I will say that you will have to examine how much room you have to work with underneath for prop and clearance. That will determine the shaft speed and then compare that with the normal rpm of the engine and you have some idea of the transmission ratio you may require. The required horse-power is also a factor.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

First question: What is the nature of your costly repairs?

Second, is a comment and opinion.....Usually, rebuilding is cheaper than buying a new or used engine, especially considering that a used engine is a question mark. A rebuilt engine is generally as good as new, except that it can't be rebuilt as many times. The other comment I will add is that your boat, being vintage, in my opinion is value enhanced by having a vintage motor. Finally, any engine of more than 175 horsepower in an inboard should satisfy what you want to do with the boat.

[62 woodie]

The boat motor needs head work in the range of $400 without any labor. It also had problems with water in oil(original reason for teardown). I can only find automotve head gaskets for it, and am concerned about dependability down the road. If I knew the head repair would take care all the problems, I would do it in an instant.

I also have reason to believe there is a tranny problem. (boat wouldnt plane at 3500rpm). The boat was bought from an estate , and sat for aprox 20yrs.

I know it opens a "can of worms" when you start talking about original vs replacement. As for value , I dont think the boat is ever going to be of the "barrelback" caliber. Im just afraid Im going to be chasing problems with an obsolete diveline.

Finally, the motor currently is rated at only a 135 horse. Even a 283 setup is approaching 180hp or so. It just seems that when I can buy a running small block in the $500 -750 range, with parts readily available, it should at least be an option to look at. :confused: