You should be able to pick up an SBC pretty cheap if you don't mind doing a little work. Hell, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an SBC!

I have perfect running 4.3, it is coming out shortly....

Hyper, that 4.3 might do the trick.
Glassdave, missed ya in KW buddy, you still owe me that beer - or I owe you a beer, Hell, as long as there is beer involved...
I have a pic of the boat, but it's too large to post here, any help on how to re-size and I'll post it.
I'm gonna need you guys to push me to do this before I pull the trigger and start dumping money into this - funny thing is the wife wants me to do this - says I need a hobby, and actually thinks this will be cheaper than buying a new boat.
It'll be fun, I've already thought about how I'm gonna blueprint the bottom in my little one car garage - Glassdave, I may need your help on some of this....

OK - I think I figured out how to re-size the pic - I'll try it.
I want to cut the windsheild off and go for more of a faring look, extend the deck back a little futherinto the cockpit, build a short sunpad...
I know I'm wasting money, but this might be a fun project.
When I get it done I'll be dragging this thing back up to Erie.

37 stinger,
That 7.4 is probably a little too much for this boat - would be fun though!!!

If you want it I will let you know when it is out, and you are only 3-4 hours away.

Hyper - that might be just what this boat needs.
pm me what kinda money your talking.

The 4.3 is a good step forward from a 140/4cyl.

But.

If I were going to the trouble for a motor swap, it would be a 350 or nothing. The 4.3 is essentially a 180 horse motor. The 4 barrel makes 200+ horses, but it hasn't got the grunt of a good old 350. And a 350 is about the cheapest option out there. Has the best parts availability, etc..

Race fairing? I offer a strong NO suggestion to that. You will KILL the boat's resale and you won't even end up liking it...

Sunpad? Sure. Go for it. Sunpads with jumpseats on each side are an even better idea. Just have the side cushions with two sets of mounting rails. One low for a seat. One high for a sunpad across the motor housing. Underneath, on one side you can box it in for box storage, and on the other side, you can leave it open to slide a cooler underneath. Nice upgrade.

Just leave the windshield. OR if you just HAVE to remove it, then take it off properly and don't damage the mounting area. Drive it for a few days to see if you like it (I say you won't). That way you can always put it back on (with some 3M 4200 under it to eliminate ANY looseness, rattles, or squeaks).

mc

My buddy has a 350 putting out 350-375hp with a Alpha SS drive for $6k. The price may be high but you get a 22 Scarab and trailer with it.

ARE YOU INSANE, DON'T DO IT!! I mean come on, a small block? It's hardly worth the effort. Put a turbine in it. Now THAT would be bad ass!