I am purchasing a 1989 Marlin 280 for $1000. It will need some work, but I am a marine refit specialist, bigger boats with inboards. My only concern is the twin 2008 350 v8s- one is good, the other seized. I need to break it down to determine why and then pursue. Maybe re-power. I have heard about them having a flywheel, balance issue- could this be behind the seizing issue?
Too good to be true
- Thread starter Phreewillie
- Start date
Fishtales
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2005
- Messages
- 8,033
- Reaction score
- 1,286
- Points
- 113
Assuming the boat is powered with F350 outboards. The early motors (the F350 came out in 2007) had some flywheel issues, I'm sure others here with intimate knowledge will chime in. That being said 700HP on that transom is a bit over powered. The hull was rated for 500HP. Make sure the transom is in good shape to start. You may need to strengthen it. Check all other cored areas like stringers and decks and verify good. The boat has a good history and really hasn't changed much, but you are looking at 30+ year old hull.
The flywheel is also the harmonic balancer on that engine. Once the rubber in the flywheel degrades after a short period of time in a specific rpm range, the harmonics are left to do damage. The cranks typically snap from fatigue.
I know another issue is water getting trapped in the engine causing cracking once the water freezes. I'm not sure if this contributes to engine seizures after this, but you can read for days about it on The Hull Truth.
Good luck and be sure to share photos of progress!
I know another issue is water getting trapped in the engine causing cracking once the water freezes. I'm not sure if this contributes to engine seizures after this, but you can read for days about it on The Hull Truth.
Good luck and be sure to share photos of progress!