automotive engine -> marine engine????

Thinking about putting a Ford 3.0 V6 (car engine) into a homebuilt 18' runabout. Kinda a replica of a 1930's Century or CC boat. Project is based around ecomony, but not sure how possible this will be.. Any ideas on the cooling system, or opinions on if I should completely scrap this silly idea? I haven't seen much info on converting automotive engines to marine, so any input would be appriciated.

 

I hope power, dimensions ,weight and balance (triming) are compatible with your boat.
An automotive 3.0L V6 should be a beast of at least 400 lbs bare (without any transmission) , and 200 hp. On a 18' boat.

By the way, is it a diesel or gasoline engine ?

How do you plan to transmit power from the flyweel end to the prop ? (clutch, reverse, shafting and torsionnal coupling etc ...)

I think it is more complex than cooling who can frequently be solved by salt water/cooling fluid heat exchanger.
http://www.ejbowman.co.uk/products/pdf/marine.pdf (just the first page found on google)

François.

 

Oh boy, here we go again!

This subject is one that is brought up regularly.

Check this thread. http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=650