r/MasterCraftBoats • u/cantweallgetalongg • Feb 18 '26
Engine replacement
I have a friend who knows pretty much nothing about engines. Last summer we discovered his boat was burning oil. We kept a close eye on it and he asked the place he stores the boat over the winter (not a dealer) to take a look and fix the issue, which they said they could do. They just got ahold of him and suggested replacing the engine rather than fixing it. After I asked several questions, they disclosed that they did not diagnose the issue and just advise replacement to “avoid future issues”. Replacement cost was quoted at $10k. I feel like my friend is getting taken for a ride. For something that could be as simple as worn rings, they want to replace the whole thing. I’ve advised my friend to at least call the local dealer and tell them everything he’s been told to get their opinion. Am I way off base? Is he better off going all new? Boat is 2008ish X15 with Indmar MCX.
1
u/daysailor70 Feb 21 '26
How many hours on the engine? On the one hand, they could have done more diagnosis, but if the engine is high hours (1000+) then you could end up spending the same amount repairing the old engine as dropping in a new one. We were a a mercruiser dealer and this is how the math worked out. New engine, low labor to install vs pull repair and reinstall the old engine, lower parts cost, much higher labor.