REPOWER QUESTION

Q:Mick, I’m thinking of repowering my 1986 Starcraft Islander with a MerCruiser 170 I/O. Would you recommend an engine that could adequately replace my old one?

Barry Broeckaert Croswell, Michigan

A:Hi Barry. I reached out to our ever-helpful contacts at Mercury Marine. They suggest either one of two engines from their Mercury remanufactured line, depending upon specifics. Here is what they shared:

“We repower the old 470s all the time using one of two engines depending upon the boat. Typically, the Merc Reman 4.3L Alpha 4V is a great replacement for the torquey 3.7L. Visit mercurymarine .com/en/us/engines/inboard-andsterndrive/remanufacturing/plusseries-alpha-sterndrives. “However, sometimes the boats were too narrow to fit a V-6, required a front mount, or were twin installations with close centers. In those cases, the new Quicksilver 3.0L TKS Alpha repowered a 3.7L just fine. Visit quicksilverproducts.com/marine/completeengines/alpha-sterndrives.

“Both engines are compatible with the Gen I Alpha drives and transoms used by the 3.7L, and also work with the Gen II transoms and drives if a complete repower is in order.”