3.7 Mercruiser

G

greg crosby

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
38
I'm new to forums. I was advised to come to this IO forum. I have a chance to buy 1988 221 Islander with galv trailer $4-5K range. Problem is it has the infamous 3.7. I am trying to learn: What to look for. Also interested in repowering. Don't need huge speed. I get the stringer change thing but am wondering if a new type four cylnder engine would be a good swap? How about in line 6cyl? Would be nice to have injection and electronic ignition.

3.7 waterpump and alternator problems . What to do to retro alternator? Will good maintenance(oil etc) avoid waterpump problems ? Aluminum head better? Any info appreciated.

The hotrodders(H.A.M.B. site) have a lot of info on these engines but way above my expertise. They know how to get huge power out of the 3.7!??

Hope I got these questions in the right place this time.
 
H

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

greg crosby said:
I'm new to forums. I was advised to come to this IO forum. I have a chance to buy 1988 221 Islander with galv trailer $4-5K range. Problem is it has the infamous 3.7. I am trying to learn: What to look for. Also interested in repowering. Don't need huge speed. I get the stringer change thing but am wondering if a new type four cylnder engine would be a good swap? How about in line 6cyl? Would be nice to have injection and electronic ignition.

3.7 waterpump and alternator problems . What to do to retro alternator? Will good maintenance(oil etc) avoid waterpump problems ? Aluminum head better? Any info appreciated.

The hotrodders(H.A.M.B. site) have a lot of info on these engines but way above my expertise. They know how to get huge power out of the 3.7!??

Hope I got these questions in the right place this time.
Click to expand...

Howdy,


If you haven't bought the boat, most of us here would suggest you don't (buy it)

An internet (google/yahoo/bing) search will reveal a plethora of info on all the troubles and parts availability for the infamous 3.7L/470 engines.

They have been obsolete for a LONG time. Yes, you can replace them with other engines but you usually have to change the drive and possiblly the transom shield too. (essentially replace everything... but the engine compartment MUST be "size & mount" compatible.....some aren't)

$4000-$5000 for ANY 1988 boat with a 470 installed is IMHO, about $4000-$5000 too much.


Regards,


Rick
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,525
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... I agree with Rick,...

That boat is Waaaaaay over priced with that motor,....

You'll end up spendin Double that money to get rid of the 470...

Keep lookin',... There's 1000s of used boats out there...
 
S

stonyloam

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 13, 2009
Messages
5,827
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

I am a 470 guy, and would consider buying another boat with one, however, I would agree with bond-o and HT, the boat is way overpriced and it is best you stay away. You should be able to find a lot newer boat with a 4.3 for that kind of money.
 
matt167

matt167

Captain
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
3,697
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

A Starcraft Islander 221 is a very popular boat and I have seen them in the $10k range for nice boats in that year range. The 3.7L wasn't Merc's best idea and they have forgotten about it, but if there was one boat I would consider with one, an Islander 221 would be THE boat I would consider with it but it would have to be a nice boat to begin with. Plenty of rotbox glassers that could give up a good 4.3L/ Alpha One for dirt cheap. The 4.3L is what the Islander 221 was most common with thru there production run, but even a 3.0L would power that boat
 
Howard Sterndrive

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

Be patient greg. Fall out of love with the 3.7 powered boat. A better deal on a better powered one will come along.
 
T

tinkerguy70

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 12, 2012
Messages
190
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

If you don't get in a rush and do your homework, you should be able to land a nice boat for 5k that doesn't need much (if anything) at all done to it.
I think that's way overpriced, you can do better, just be patient.
 
tazrig

tazrig

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 20, 2012
Messages
1,752
Re: 3.7 Mercruiser

Bond-o said:
Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... I agree with Rick,...

That boat is Waaaaaay over priced with that motor,....

You'll end up spendin Double that money to get rid of the 470...

Keep lookin',... There's 1000s of used boats out there...
Click to expand...


^^^+1 For the money your looking to spend you can do much better and not have to deal with all the headaches of the 470.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top