Engine Replacement

[PHILIPHD]

I have a 1986 Chris Craft 350 Catalina. I need to replace the engines (Mercruiser 350 SB Chevy 260hp), Has anyone ever replaced the engines on this boat? Need all the help I can get
:thumb:

[Chris]

Hi Phil,

Are you thinking about going the rebuilding route, or are you thinking buying something like a new crate motor or rebuilt replacement.

-Chris

[PHILIPHD]

I am thinking of going with a remmanufactured long block, but would consider a complete crate engine if the price is right.

[Chris E]

do you have any pics of the boat. if the engines are accessible than it shouldn't be to bad, however, i they are midships in a salon it will be a big pain in the rear.

[PHILIPHD]

Chris,

They will definately be a pain in the rear. They are mounted midship under the galley floor.
Phil

[Chris]

Here's a picture of Phil's boat. :)

Very nice. :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/544/thumbs/35_Chris_Craft.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1191)

[benski]

You will be in for a tedious time of it, indeed.

[PHILIPHD]

I am in the process of removing the starboard engine. We have stripped the engine down to the bear block which weighs about 300lbs. We plan on lifting it out by hand and installing the new engine in the reverse manner.

The port side should be a little easier as we can probably get at it with our cherry picker engine hoist.

[PHILIPHD]

Does anyone have any recommendations on who I should be purchasing replacement engines from?

[benski]

I would call around or shop around on the web. You might ask some of the local shipyards in the area for vendor's advice as well. Is there anyway that you can rig some 4X6's over your stbd engine and then come-along it out of the ER? Lifting that 300 lb slippery pig out of the bilge sounds like a chiropractor's son is will be going to college at your expense..just my thoughts.

[Rsylvestri]

I'm in the same process with my Sea Ray 225 express cruiser, although it could be a frozen gimble bearing try www.usengine.us (http://www.usengine.us)
I believe they are in Washinton state.
Rick