Quick thanks to everyone who has helped me with advice over the years!

I repowered Swampy (for the 3rd time in 18 years) with pre-owned low hour Merc 496HOs, new transmissions, and it has been a journey to say the least. She now runs, starts immediately, and growls evenly every time. Local arneson and propeller expert helped me find a set of high rake props and she now acts like a 30-footer - pops on plane easily, cruises nicely at 3800-4000rpm, can spin to 5000, and the motors never seem to go over 165F. Still tuning things but mechanically I am optimistic - now there are countless hours of clean up, glass fixing, and painting to come.

The BIG girl is back in action and we are already doing overnighters with grandkids. Priceless!

Glad to hear you can enjoy some actual boating again

Yeah - thanks. Still tuning things - trying new set of props and of course a drive trim pump failed so .... not fully vetted props yet. She is Big girl and is cruising at 30mph which is not to this site's standards but good enough for an old guy and a floating RV.

Good luck buddy. I have followed your saga for years now. You have the worst luck....well Gino has the WORST luck, but you are close!! I'm pulling for you!

not really a luck thing - trying to run a large boat year round in salt water on minimal money LOL so made many mistakes choosing flake engine builders, clueless mechanics, then using old used 454s as interim power, then trying to do everything myself.....which is stupid as I am a tech nerd not a mechanic. Live and learn!

Congrats
Enjoy !!!