Project Boat with Mercruiser 3.0L - Should I "invest" $500?

I'm looking at a early 90's Renken 2000 Classic Cuddy with a Mercruiser 3.0L engine on a loadrite single axle trailer for $500. The boat interior is in rough shape but just needs a good cleaning. The floor seems to be in good shape. Cushions/seats in decent shape. Hull in good shape and outdrive looks in decent shape. Prop in good shape. No nicks. The boat has been sitting 3-5 years. I was told the boat used to run fine prior to sitting. No other history on the boat. The exhaust manifold was removed. Looks like he removed it and repainted it. It comes with all the gaskets to put the manifold back on. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined but the manifold being off scares me a bit. So do you think this is worth $500? I'd like a project boat to cleanup and resell but don't want to get too far in over my head. I'm thinking at the very worst I could part out the boat and get my $500 back. Thoughts? Should i go for it or run away?

Re: Project Boat with Mercruiser 3.0L - Should I "invest" $500?

With the manifold of you can still check the eng over fairly well.

Do a compretion test look at the oil, look the block over for cracks on the out side.

Look at the bellows,shift cables,lube in the lower unit.


If all checks out you should be good to go.

You should be able to get your money back no problem just dont forget to factor in geting rid of the hull.

Re: Project Boat with Mercruiser 3.0L - Should I "invest" $500?

More info: I checked the oil. It is clean and on full. I don't see any cracks on engine and there is no oil in bilge area. Don't have the equipment to check compression. Question-- Can i try and turn the engine over without the manifold on? Don't necessarily need to hear it run but engine should try and turn over, right?

Here are some pics...

Re: Project Boat with Mercruiser 3.0L - Should I "invest" $500?

Yes you can turn the engine over no problem. Well at least you should be able to. The manifold is of no matter turning the engine over. There my or may not be some rust in the cylinders. Pull the spark plugs and shoot a little oil in there and give it a try.
Internally 3.0 have either head gasket or block crack problem between 2 & 3 or 3 & 4. If maintained well they run forever, if not they fail sooner then later. Without pulling the drive you would be hard pressed to determine problems (engine or drive) if it did not turn over well.

Re: Project Boat with Mercruiser 3.0L - Should I "invest" $500?

the trailer is worth 500.....go for it....but be quick.

yes you can turn the motor over by hand......i would squirt some oil in the cyls before i turn it.