Reasonable repair cost for not winterizing boat???

Question

I did not winterize my boat last season. Smoke were coming out from engine area when I first took it out on the lake. Bought it to my marine dealer and he estimated the repair cost to be around 5-6K. I guess this is replacing the motor. This is my first time owning a boat so I'm totally clueless. Its a 2007 bayliner with a 4.3 merc inboard engine

Answer 1

I don't think you are going to find a good repair or replacement under $4k.  This is the steep price you pay for not getting properly informed as a first time boat buyer.  

You probably live in a region where the winter gets cold enough to threaten your engine.  That spells doom if water collects in the engine and freezes.  It does not help either if the cylinders are not fogged either because the pistons can seize up.  When water freezes in engines, it does better than a wrecking ball to crack and destroy vital components.

This is why winterization is necessary, most boats don't store coolant with antifreeze in a radiator.  Most boats have an open cooling system that takes from the water it operates on.  

Thus the cooling system has to be flushed with non-toxic antifreeze and the antifreeze collecting in the engine block and manifold has to be drained.  They pull out the petcock and the exhaust manifold drain plug at the very end, then drain the water out of the water pump hose.

Then when you're ready to get it up and running, you go and get it "de-winterized".

Getting properly informed on how to take care of your vehicles (cars/trucks/boats/ATV's/etc.) through all periods of the year is essential.  Staying ignorant on these needed details will only lead to much more money spent and more time lost.

I always try to stress this to anyone I know who has or is considering about first time owning any PWC or boat.  Get informed or get out the wallet regularly, your choice.

Answer 2

Yep, that estimate is inline with what a dealer would charge you. He should stay near the low end of that scale due to being a V-6.

Shop this around. You should be able to cut that in half.

My marine dealer estimated $5,500 to rebuild my V-8, which they had screwed up a year prior. With the help of my brother and his buddies I was able to pull the engine myself, have it rebuilt professionally and put it back in the boat. The engine was built and bored for $1, 200 at a performance engine shop. He said the previous build was the worst he had seen in 20 years in the business, and he gave me a lifetime warranty on the new engine! Knock on wood, today the engine runs the best it ever has.

My point: do your homework to find a quality rebuilder, find somebody else to perform the labor, and get a warranty, a good one. Marine dealers will rob you blind if you let them.

Also, call your insurance agent and see if he/she can provide some relief.

Answer 3

Depending on whether you cracked the head or the block, you could be looking at 3000 to 5000. If you cracked the heads, 1000 to 2000. Without taking it apart and looking at it, its tough to say for sure.

Answer 4

welll...depends on your initiative.

the dealer's quote seems reasonable, though, especially if you begin or maintain a good working relation with your boat mechanic - the guys are invaluable whehn you find a good one.

The guy below will sell you a brand NEW one for $4k and might give you a few hundred for your old block. might cost a couple hundred to ship. then you'll need the gaskets, lube, etc. , but you'll know that it's done your way

maybe consider putting in a Bravo for another grand.

good luck...

Answer 5

you wont do that anymore

Answer 6

With a cracked block, it may or may not be rebuildable.  Your best bet is a remanufactured short block(if the heads are OK), but really, go with a reman. long block direct from Merc.  Comes with a warranty!  The price is in line, but this fall, take the boat to a dealer and spend the $200 for winterization.  Then if it screws up, the onus is on the shop.