1988 F29PC Engine swap
 

Not really a high performance boat....but Ill throw this out there anyway.


I have an 88 F29 PC, with 350mags and alpha drives. Engines are pushing 1200 hrs, and although they still run fine, I know I'm pushing my luck with them at this point. Im thinking of doing a complete engine/transom/outdrive swap to big blocks, preferably 502s/Bravo1. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this being done on this hull or anything similar? WOT with the 350s is 44mph GPS speed at around 4500rpm. Any idea what kind of gains I could expect going from the 270hp 350s to 425hp or so with the 502s? I'm kinda at a crossroad here, trying to decide on a newer boat (which will still be similarly powered), or putting the money into this one and having something pretty unique. I like the boat, and get lots of compliments on it. Im thinking it would be pretty cool having her thump along at 55-60mph with thru hull exhaust. Any advice is appreciated.

I don’t wanna be that guy. But depending on what your wanting to put into the boat vs what it’s actually going to cost is a big difference. What’s your budget for doing this build, what’s your budget for a new boat. I love working on boats and having the fun as well as all of us on here do. But depending on what your wanting to spend might be a better choice to buy something that’s already done. A lot will have to go into that upgrade. But if you wanna do it then I wanna see pics and know the story as you go along.

I haven't seen any aft cabin boats that have been done in this way. Im thinking used stuff, maybe 4 or 500 hrs on it would be OK. Got one quote for 30K (Canadian) taking my stuff on trade. Having a hard time getting someone to do the work tho. I may do it myself...but I'll likely lose the boat for a season if I do. I've had the engines out once already for a coupler replacement I did myself. The big unknown here is the transom, and thats a job I have no interest in doing myself if it needs work.