1994 Maxum 2400 SCR : Sell or Upgrade ?

[Romainca]

Hello

I reside in Vannes, located in Brittany, France.

I own a 1994 Maxum 2400 SCR equipped with a Mercruiser V6 4.3LX Alpha One. After 550 hours of use, compression tests suggest the engine is likely damaged. Now, I'm considering whether to sell the boat or replace the engine. I’m thinking about installing a MERCRUISER 4.5 with 250hp while keeping the current Alpha One. What are your thoughts on this option?

If I keep the boat and replace the engine, I’d also like to upgrade the camping Bimini. Do you know who sells it and at what price?

Do you have any upgrade ideas that might motivate me to keep investing in my boat instead of selling it?

Thank you

[mmwjr]

Did the engine damage occur from not replacing the exhaust system and allowing water to enter the engine? Since you didn’t provide the compression numbers I have to ask could it just be that the heads need to be rebuilt and not a complete engine replacement? Before you spend the money for a 4.5 ask yourself are you happy with the boat, does it meet your needs and will you keep it long enough to make sense spending this amount of money? There sure is plenty of marine growth on the outdrive, has it been inspected to verify it doesn’t have significant corrosion?

[Romainca]

Hi mmwjr,

I'm new to engines and must depend on expert guidance in this area. Whenever needed, I substituted the required elements with professional guidance.

I believe the issue is not due to failing to replace the exhaust system or letting water get into the engine. I've attached the compression test. The compression issue isn't new; the evolution hasn't been good, in fact. The engine is almost 30 years old.

Yes, I'm satisfied with the boat, even if it's a bit old. This is the way I would also like to refresh it a little bit, so I look for an upgrade example within the community.

Once cleaned, the outdrive is in pretty good condition.

Thanks

[mmwjr]

You can call me Mike.

If I’m interrupting the data correctly cylinder #4 has no compression. I have a 1997 SCR 2400 that was originally powered with a 5.7 V8 rated at 260 HP. In 2016 the main bearings failed and I replaced the long block with a 5.7 Vortec one which is rated for approximately 300 HP and have been very satisfied with the results. My boat is equipped with a Bravo 2 outdrive.

If you like the boat and plan to keep it for another ten years I would go for the repower.

[shrew]

It's going to hard to sell with that engine survey. If you replace the engine you will be upside down in the boat.

A $20K boat with a new $20K engine is still only worth $20K. It will just sell faster. Repower only makes sense if you plan on keeping the boat for the next 10 years.

[Romainca]

Thank you, Mike and ‘Shrew’ very good points for highlighting. I think I have made the decision to keep the boat and buy a new engine for it. I guess, first family boat, first love boat, I hope that we will enjoy it for a decade !

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Romainca

Thank you, Mike and ‘Shrew’ very good points for highlighting. I think I have made the decision to keep the boat and buy a new engine for it. I guess, first family boat, first love boat, I hope that we will enjoy it for a decade !

Keep us posted on how it goes with the repower and if you are happy with the results.