I plan to keep 427 power in TRADITION during my ownership. If the motors need to be rebuilt, it will be done in the winter season. I have a pair of spares, and I might just swap those in. They were obtained from a Hatteras that was repowered with diesel, and they were rebuilt with new pistons and heads, with tickets. Those actually may go into another boat someday, so I may still be faced with a 427 rebuild in the future. Since the haul-out and re-installation is most of the work, dropping them off at the shop and picking them back up really wouldn't be that much of a deal.
Another option I didn't mention before, but it's valid, is the "because I want to" option. I don't mind hearing about this one as long as there isn't some sort of a rationalization that makes me roll my eyes. Just step up to the plate and do the deed. It's really nice when people who do this, stay with the old equipment long enough to assure it goes to another boater who may need or appreciate it.
Warren Pateman did a really nice diesel repower, but it involved some trial and error too, and they found the installation had too much back pressure and had to make adjustments. Thats just one of many issues he faced, not to mention the reshafting and repropping requirements, and the complete re-setting of new iron where the old iron used to live. The install was well done, and it cost a ton of money too.
There's been a lot of talk about diesel repowering. People seem to think that if they spend that kind of money everything will be a snap. Unfortunately everything associated with diesel costs more money than gas. If you think B-O-A-T stands for "break out another thousand", take that X10 when you add D-I-E-S-E-L to the equation. They're marvelouos for the haul, but they take maintenance and they don't like sitting around. I know a guy who had Caterpillar mechanics on his boat for a couple of weeks, and all I can say is "ouch", that must have hurt.
I like to end these sorts of conversations by acknowledging the fact that old iron is certainly rebuildable, and very viable for economic recycling. Every boat owner needs to make the decisions he or she believes is right for him or her, and in doing so they'll be subject to all kinds of advice, marketing barrage, and people who would be delighted to take their money. Sharing of information can help, and this is one reason we try to put the word like this out there for people to consider. I have had numerous people tell me publically here on the Forum, by private email, and via telephone, how much money they saved by reading a single post here from someone who was kind enough to take the time to share.
I am reminded of the story about the widow who was faced by the local marina mechanics, after her deceased husband departed this earth and left her with a 427-powered boat. She was convinced by the local mechanics (rightly or wrongly) that those "old motors" needed to be replaced, and it would take umpteen thousands of dollars to do it, but when it was done, she would have new motors in the boat, etc, yadda yadda. Funny thing, while the husband was alive he didn't think the motors needed to be replaced, hmmmm. Sad but true.
Information is power. This Forum is here to have fun and share information. Once people see the info, I think they're better suited to make decisions like this. In the end it's "their boat, their money, and their choice". There certainly is no set answer for the issue of dealing with worn motors in old boats. Actually that's part of the fun. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it and the price of these boats would be sky high!
Regards,
Paul