Wellcraft boats, 5.0 Mercruiser

[masondr]

Am looking at a 1991 21' Wellcraft Cuddy with a 5.0L Mercruiser. Need feedback on experience/knowledge with these boats and drives. Wellcraft in general seem to have good rep. around here. The 5.0 {305 GM} get more "mixed" comments. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[DJ]

Re: Wellcraft boats, 5.0 Mercruiser

Dave,<br /><br />No question, Wellcraft is a good boat. Mercruiser is a good drive. The 5.0 (305) GM has never been a favorite of mine. If you have problems with it a 5.7 (350) will bolt right in.

 

[masondr]

Re: Wellcraft boats, 5.0 Mercruiser

djohns19: belated thanks. Am still looking at the wellcraft/305 mercruiser. Any thoughts re repowering with a350 auto/light truck long block? I know about not using auto starters/alternators/fuel pumps/carbs, but don't know about internal differences. As you know, 350 small blocks, even 4-bolt mains, are plentiful, and relatively cheap. Is this a way to go? Also, I might be interested in icreasing HP a bit. Anyone know what the Alpha 1 drive will reliably take?

 

[Trent]

Re: Wellcraft boats, 5.0 Mercruiser

The alpha will handle the 350 just fine. Difference in auto and marine

 

[masondr]

Re: Wellcraft boats, 5.0 Mercruiser

Trent: Thanks Found an earlier post that addressed differences.