It sounds high...the "1600" but, that's just a little over 100 hours per year. As someone said, certainly no biggy if it was taken care of. The 3.0L is a great little engine.
I think hours is a huge misnomer when it comes to boat engines. Think about what 1600 hours represents on a typical 4 cyl engine. Let's say we got on the freeway and drove at 60 mph for 1600 hours. You'd have 96,000 miles on your car's engine. Anyone here believe a 4 cylinder motor is worn out at 96,000 miles? Granted it's a different atmosphere and cars run at a different RPM but still...
I think hours is a huge misnomer when it comes to boat engines. Think about what 1600 hours represents on a typical 4 cyl engine. Let's say we got on the freeway and drove at 60 mph for 1600 hours. You'd have 96,000 miles on your car's engine. Anyone here believe a 4 cylinder motor is worn out at 96,000 miles? Granted it's a different atmosphere and cars run at a different RPM but still...
A car driving at 60 mph is running around 8% load level. (at least that is what my scanguage shows for my 4 cylinder at 60) A boat engine is above 8% load level while idling in gear! VASTLY different load levels. Running on plane is going to be around 40% load level.
Lets compare gallons per hour to get an accurate comparison. My car at 60mph does around 30 mpg, so it is burning 2 gallons per hour. A mercruiser 3.0 at cruising speed, 30 mph, burns 6-8 gallons per hour depending on hull. So around 3-4 times as much fuel burnt for the same time, so you can expect roughly 3-4 times the wear. 1600 automotive hours might be the same as 4800 hours, or 300,000+ miles in your example above... That is coincides with the manufacturer recommended oil change intervals for marine engines vs auto.
It is a little high but not to the point of needing a rebuild unless it was not taken care of. They are good for 2000+ hours easy. Just like anything it is about maintenance. My wifes 03 Suburban has 376000 miles on it and that is our tow rig.
