Cost of Installing new engine?

[Coreymc]

I have a older Cobalt that needs a new engine. I've found a Mercruiser package that isn't too bad, but I was wondering if anyone had a guestimate as to how much it would cost to have the engine installed or would it be possible to install it myself. (I don't have much experience with working on marine engines)

 

[Don S]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

Way too many variables to even make an educated guess with the information you give. Things like size of boat, type of engine and drive previously in boat. Transom design, stringer design, is there room for the new engine. Then information like what engine and drive you want to put into the boat, steering, insturments wiring.
Are you talking about a complete repower, engine and drive, or just an engine change?

 

[Coreymc]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

I think it's a late 70's, early 80's Cobalt. It was my Grandfathers. I'm pretty sure it had an OMC in it before, not sure what size. I've found a Mercruiser 3.0L engine and stern drive package. I asked the dealer if it would fit and they said yes. I'm pretty sure the new engine would be smaller than the OMC that was in it before. So I guess my question would be how much it would cost to have someone install the new engine and stern drive. Here is a link to the engine I'd be putting in if it helps.
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/BoatingStore/browse_detail1.cfm/profileID/107270.cfm

 

[Coreymc]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

I think it's a late 70's, early 80's Cobalt, not sure on the size, I know it's at least 19ft maybe a little larger but not much. It was my Grandfathers. I'm pretty sure it had an OMC in it before, not sure what size. I've found a Mercruiser 3.0L engine and stern drive package. I asked the dealer if it would fit and they said yes. I'm pretty sure the new engine would be smaller than the OMC that was in it before. So I guess my question would be how much it would cost to have someone install the new engine and stern drive. Here is a link to the engine I'd be putting in if it helps.
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/BoatingStore/browse_detail1.cfm/profileID/107270.cfm

 

[Don S]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

You still don't have enough information for any kind of estimate. Cobalt made all different sizes and kinds of boats, One thing for sure, if it has an OMC in it then you have some transom and stringer and front motor mount rebuilding to do to install the engine you linked to in it.
If your late 70's, early 80's Cobalt happened to be powered by a V8, a 3.0L isn't going to do anything for your boat.
Then there is the question of where you are located. Labor rates differ all over the world.
So, I would guess, not counting the engine the estimate would be somewhere between $100 and $10,000 +or- $50.

 

[aerwin]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

major work if you have a stringer type before the cobra. if the dealer thinks that a newer type will fit in the boat that possibly might have the dreaded sterndrive in it, maybe you should get a second opinion and take the boat with you so the dealer can see it, that will help get an accurate price. it won't be cheap and figure adding a minimum of $1000.00 in parts over the price of the repower package, keep with a v-8, v-6 will be working to hard and the 3.0 will be a dud

 

[Coreymc]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

I'm located in Wisconsin. So you guys really think a 3.0 wouldn't be enough power? I'd only be using to fish in Lake Michigan. No water skiing or anything like that, but I'll take your word for it. I'm a newbie.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

it would not even make a good troller with the 3.0.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

You still will need new Mercury controls and instrumentation.

Cobalt's have a great reputation, although this boat is getting up there in it's years. It would probably be cheaper to find a newer boat.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

Several years ago I had my engine replaced with a new long block. Not counting any parts, the labor was ~3K. I did not know enough then to do it myself. It was a direct swap so there was no "fitting" required...

 

[bobboater1]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

well i just got me a 350 long block and manifolds water pump.. about 2grand..motor i have has been sitting so long i wanted to repower it. 2k plus i will get the dealer to install it at least 1500.00 but that's not complete fixing because i need lots of small things say another 100.00 2500+2000= 4500.00 and i will do alot myself.. bad thing lots of stuff rusty boat sat onland. wish it was just r+r and who knows how good the drive is..it get's pricy
but i teally like he boat
bob

 

[Don S]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

I'm located in Wisconsin. So you guys really think a 3.0 wouldn't be enough power? I'd only be using to fish in Lake Michigan. No water skiing or anything like that, but I'll take your word for it. I'm a newbie.

How can anybody say if the 3.0L engine will be enough or not. You STILL haven't said what size the boat is or what size engine was in it before. Cobalt has made boats frrom about 16' to over 30' and trust me, they don't all have the same power requierments.

 

[aerwin]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

thats true on the power, boats that old were pretty heavy thought. my 79 18 1/2 ft gulf stream would be a dog with the four or small sx cylinder. but an engine too small would be worked to death. got get the weight to power ratio figured out and try not to go with smaller just for a lower price. go see real experts, get a couple of opinions. it would suck to spend all that cash and have a dog

 

[Coreymc]

Re: Cost of Installing new engine?

How can anybody say if the 3.0L engine will be enough or not. You STILL haven't said what size the boat is or what size engine was in it before. Cobalt has made boats frrom about 16' to over 30' and trust me, they don't all have the same power requierments.

I'm pretty sure it is a 19ft bowrider. Not sure on the size of old engine. I believe it was a 4.7L, but not quite sure. I would not be using it to troll, I have a little outboard trolling motor. I guess I just need to take it in and have someone take a look at it. Thanks for the help though.