Stock engines for '83 SN

351 pleasure craft marine.

Chris,
As mentioned by Rod, the 351 PCM is standard. CC did use others in special orders but those are very rare. See if there's a tag on the engine or other markings that would ID the engine. A picture would be great.
Welcome and good luck with the purchase.

Chris,
Regarding the over 10%, I feel it depends on what is causing the variance. A leak down test may show what's causing it. It could be as simple as a head gasket or a deeper problem like valve leakage all the way to broken piston rings. Take a look at the boat, get some pictures and tell us the hours on the engine. The pictures may indicate the overall condition of the boat and a clue to how it was used.

I have not... what models and years would you suggest?

It's not a bargain but not overpriced according to pictures taken 1000 yards away. If you're not concerned about a correct original Correct Craft than its fine. An 80's Correct craft probably isn't the best choice for a first boat due stringer rot is likely at some point. But I would choose it over any I/O as suggested. An I/O is a maintenance nightmare. IMO I'd wait for a different boat.

Orlando76 wrote: An 80's Correct craft probably isn't the best choice for a first boat due stringer rot is likely at some point. But I would choose it over any I/O as suggested. An I/O is a maintenance nightmare. IMO I'd wait for a different boat.

I agree that the lower unit on I/O's can add to maintenance but there sure are plenty of them out there!
Al,
Were you serious or was this statement in jest?

DrCC wrote: Have you looked into something like a 20' or 22' Sea Ray ?

I am certainly open to different points of view on this site, but I would say exactly the opposite as what you are Doc.    My first boat is/was an obsolete tournament boat.    I don't have anyone training for 3 event sports in my family.    I do however love the look, feel and pull that a tournament inboard gives.   I also really like the fact that the boat doesn't torque steer or bow rise like what I have experienced in an I/O.   I think my favorite feature though is that the prop isn't hanging out in back of the boat right next to the swim ladder... I feel inboards are much safer than the I/O design in that regard.   Ease of finding parts and making them run is probably a wash on either boat, each has its quirks and each its strengths. I do like having the 351 which has parts available from everywhere, and there is a wealth of knowledge on how to make them work.     

I also agree I think tournament ski boats make great first boats. They are very safe, don't draw much water. Track very well not as expensive to maintain as an I/O. Our old lake has stumps and an I/O will find one every time. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

Likely because a tournament inboard is 100k+ new and a Bayliner is less than 20K? a see ray maybe 25-30K?   sure seems like a compelling reason to get an IO if you don't have any experience in the boating world. that doesn't make it the right choice or a wrong choice, just not what I would choose   
I know lots of people who can't or don't want to replace an interior, or fix an engine... they would just rather buy a new boat than fuss with fixing a more quality piece of gear that is a few years older.   that makes an inexpensive IO right for them.

OP, an 83 SN is a nice machine if it is in good shape.   I will tell you though that an 83 is likely going to cost you more than it is worth to repair if the stringers/floor or interior are bad, or you have a major motor issue. You may be able to get a few years out of a nice one that has good stringers, but the repairs will come at some point. Purchasing an old wood stringer boat to see if you like the experience has it's strong points, but I would say that you'll either be into that boat for the long haul (along with some major repairs) or you'll upgrade in a couple of years.

Hollywood wrote: Well there must be a reason I/Os outnumber tournament inboards a billion to one.

Marketing- Mercury Marine and Volvo are way bigger company than PCM or Indmar. Bayliner or Sea Ray is way larger than Correct Craft.And both have the marketing departments and budgets to match. Yamaha got singles boating with wave runners now they keep you in the family with their newer jet boats. And to top it off they all pull tubes just as good as an inboard at half the cost.....

All valid points. Yes, an I/O is a bit more user friendly, but the inboard is not all that far behind. My first boat was an inboard V-drive with a Ford 460. It taught me and my brothers proper boatmanship. I learned and so can you.

[QUOTE=cnelson0641] Well I ended up purchasing the boat! QUOTE]
Chris,
Well then, we expect plenty of pictures!! Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy.

Can't help with pylon situation, but congrats on getting the boat! Hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I have enjoyed ours.

It does not have the ringer and finger at the top.

--Chris N.

76tique wrote: Not sure if you still have the original ring and finger pylon. If you do, you will need one of these to mount an extended pylon without cutting off the ring and finger (DON'T CUT IT!!!) Super Deluxe Boom Mount The other option is to find a Flight Pipe clamp on extended pylon, they are no longer available new but sometimes pop up used. I used the SDBM on my '84 with a Skylon, worked great!

Sorry to thread jack, but.... Tom, With the SDBM I see yours is pretty high up the pole. I just installed one on my 85 SN and mounted lower and was wondering what ur thoughts on its heights are.