Re-power deals from Mercury

Replacing a big V8 engine in any powerboat is an expensive proposition but Mercury Marine offers some increased financial help with three new options in its Plus Series of engines.

These are engines rebuilt by Mercury technicians and offer the advantages of a new engine at a fraction of the price of a brand new unit. Put together in a state-of-the art facility by expert marine technicians, the engines meet all current standards.

Only the engine itself is remanufactured -- all the ancillary equipment, the fuel system, the ignition system, the drive, transom and manifold are all brand new and the whole package is covered by a 12 month warranty.

The three new engines in the range are: the 350 MPI Alpha, developing 300hp. This is ideal to replace the 5.0 litre, 5.7 litre and 5.7 EFI engines.The fuel-injected small-block 350 MPI Alpha has been reintroduced by popular demand; the 357 Alpha 4V (275hp) is a perfect replacement for a 4.3 litre, 5.0 litre, or 5.7 litre engine. It features an electric choke and knock control; the 4.3 Alpha 4V (225hp) is great for 4.3 litre and 5.0 litre powered runabouts. It delivers more power that a 5.0 litre V but being lighter and smaller provides excellent V6 economy.

All the engines are designed to work with Mercury Marine's Alpha One sterndrive unit -- the most popular sterndrive in the world.

Peter Massina, Mercury Marine's remanufacturing sales manager, reckons the engines are an ideal option for thousands of Australian boat owners.

"They know their engine is getting old and tired but they are hesitant about the cost of a new motor, so a remanufactured engine is the answer," Massina says.

"If you want your boat back performing the way it should, and save money, then these engines are what you want."