I'm looking at possible candidates for a power plant switch with my whaler.  The engine compartment is not very big, boat is at friends so I don't have exact measurements but it's roughly 3x3x5 ft tall when console is closed.  Console hinges and lifts forward.

Anyone have any model numbers or suggestions for engines?

It's a 701, 2-stroke jet right now (about 63 hp but a very heavy hull).  NOT a reliable power plant for saltwater no matter how much fun it is.  

This shows the width of the console, it is square.

Do you want to stay with diesel power?

MerCruiser has teamed with Cummins Diesel

I would prefer diesel but am open to anything  

Take a look at Westerbeke, but I don't you will get the horsepower you want - weight may be an issue.

http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/repower/specs/westerbeke.php?engine=westerbeke

Bigger problem there George is that there really isn't much room, enough for a 2, maybe a small 3 cyl.  Their biggest 2 cyl is only 18 hp.

Any other suggestions?

Nope - how about a custom Johnson bracket and then an outboard.

Definitely want to stay with the clean inboard look.  I have this out to some guys on a whaler forum who are going nuts with it, don't know why I didn't think of that sooner,lol  

Thanks for the sugg.'s

I don't have exact measurements but it's roughly 3x3x5 ft tall when console is closed

Surely you could fit a VW Jetta engine in there!  A mild bit of Southern engineering and presto.  ...lol  A TDI would be just what Rusty Hooks needs!

One hiccup though, I forgot the Low part of this equation.  ...lol

Nope, compartment is too small for a car engine, I would consider rebuilding something that is blown as far as cost goes, I just need to know "what" I am rebuilding.  

I'll take a few pics of the engine compartment when I get over my buddy's house (where the boat has been for last 2 yrs)  I'm counting on you guys as I was banned from the Whaler forum,lol,...they don't like my name,....geez....whodathunkit

would anyone know of any other forums that may be able to help?  I need people who can think outside the box as it's not just the motor but the drive train also.

Dude I was looking around on line and went to Yanmar Diesel, I never knew they had a diesel outboard.

Every thing they make is to large for your boat but I aint done yet  

I've never seen one of those either, pretty cool.  I wonder how well it performs?  

Keep lookin' Catt!!  Thanks

Russ have a look at Yanmar they give line drawings and auto cad drawings  

Holy Moly, a diesel outboard???

:o

Time to start planning an engine change on my boat.

We had a few diesel outbards at school and they shake really really bad. lol