I've done lots of automotive head gaskets. By the looks of the repair manual. It looks to be the same thing. Other than the marine accessories. Am I correct in thinking that?
seems like it may be a lot easier yanking the motor. Is it usually done that way?
And a bonus is I get to justify buying the specific tools I will need!!!!!! Lol. Love that part.

Yup. It's a Chevrolet engine. The low compression tells you something is going on internally for sure. Pray it's only a head gasket. Pull it apart check it out. You will likely see it when you pull the head.

Thank you. I appreciate your help. Makes it easier to wrap my mind around.

I WIN!!!!!!!!!!!! Take that ya broken ass boat!!!! Head gaskets done. Injectors fixed. Runs like a champ. Thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it.
Thank you
Mark

I am soooooo happy it broke. It has not run like this since I got it. It's a completely different boat. Like night and day. It's on plane in seconds. Torque like a big block should have. First time the wife grabbed the holy **** handles. Love it. Hell yeah!!!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!! I appreciate all the help.

If you have one,Top back starboard side. Green/yellow/clear hoses coming off it. Vapor saturation tank, only used a short time before cool fuel was out. Glad you're running strong now.

did u send the injectors for flow testing&cleaning?

not sure but i think 96 was the last year for vst.

Believe you're right. Mines a '97 boat rigged late '96. Gen VI 502 Mag, VST, V belts. Had the Gil's on 16 years. Starting to get a little nervous wondering what they look like inside.

Yeah I had the injectors serviced. They were loaded with garbage when I looked at em. Turned the engine over after I had the plenum off to see what they were doin. Mostly curiosity. Had a couple that looked like they were questionable.