165 Mercruiser Q. and Intro.

[imported_Kendall]

Good afternoon,

(I also posted this in the engine trouble forum, but, knock on wood, there is yet to be engine trouble)

I'm Kendall. After selling 2 boats years ago to do the "responsible thing," I'm now ready to jump back in, only I'm starting small as finances are spread. I've done quite a bit of searching, which is how I found this forum, but I finally gave up and decided to take a more direct approach.

I'm looking at a 1976, 18' Sea Ray with a 165 Mercruiser. I've always heard that the ol' Chevy Inline six was a bulletproof engine that only suffered a bit for mileage.

1. What can I expect for reliability and longevity out of the 165 rig?

2. How about power?

She'll mainly be a fishing boat, but could likely see some skiing action. I don't figure I'd do that great pulling 250 lb. slalom skiiers up, but what about 130 pounders, like the Mrs., even though she's more into wakeboarding these days, bless her heart.

3. What's the general concensus of the 165?

Thanks so much,

Kendall

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 165 Mercruiser Q. and Intro.

the 165 is a very good powerplant for that boat. I have the 120 and while it's a good motor I wish I had the 165 for the extra power

 

[finisher88]

Re: 165 Mercruiser Q. and Intro.

I have a SRV 180 and find the 165 to be great for the boat, with a stainless steel prop it jumps out of the hole, great in the chuck and I have had no problem landing 10 to 30 lb salmon and no problem pulling a 200 lb plus skier. I am in the process of rebuilding the engine after running for 20 years,in salt water, raw water cooling. I looked long and hard at re-powering with a 4.3, but decided against it, on the advice of people on this forum and my local mercruiser dealer.