repower? Chrysler318's w/V dr OR 1-7.4L Bravo3

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I have a 70 34'Trojan houseboat had Chrysler 318's, velvet trans and Walter V drives. Will be expensive replacing these components. I do have a good complete Bravo 3 setup from a Merc 7.4 L. I would only need a long block and wiring to dual station. Are there any huge advantages to the old setup that I should stick with them? I plan on cruising FL intercoastal, Gulf and St. Johns. Any insight or views on this would be helpful.
Thanks,
Don
 
I think he's considering going from twin inboards to a single I/o. I personally think that the re-structuring would be cost prohibitive, you're talking moving stringers, closing the shaft logs, cutting and reinforcing the transom, then re-wiring, re-plumbing (for cooling) throughout. Couple that with the difference in maneuverability it sounds like a lot of extra work and expense to go backwards. Just my never to be humble opinion.
Not to mention the 7.4 long blocks ain't cheap.
 
I would not consider a single on a boat of that size...especially with all of that sail area. Docking will be hell, to say the least! It may not even get on plane with a single 7.4.
 
The OP says HAD: "had Chrysler 318's, velvet trans and Walter V drives" How much of all this is there now? How much is still serviceable? I think it's time to be searching for a couple engines that'll bolt to the existing Trans and Vees. Just keep 460 Ford off your list - can't get exhaust for them! Believe I'd rather have a 350 Chevy on one side and a 351 Ford on the other than try to cob this boat into a single I/O...
 
Yeah, I was wondering why you would go to all the trouble of repowering in that direction.

First, the BII is the recommended drive for house boats. The upper bravo BI, BII and BIII are the same. It's the gearing. You can just swap lowers. Get the highest gear ratio available. {2.2 or 2.5 if they have it)
 
The boat is worthless. Nothing you do to the boat will make it worth anything. Any mpney you invest will be gone. A single Big Block on a 34 is a handling bear at low speeds but runs pretty good. Your transom would have to be rebuilt from scratch and strengthened to handle the Big Block. Think something like 5K plus just for this one item and go from there.

THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
 
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