FWC vs RWC

[mrb2222]

I am getting ready to look at a boat (late 70''s, original engine-diesel)with raw water cooling and would like advice please.

First, is raw water cooling a very bad choice instead of fresh water?

What should I look for or have a mechanic check out if I wanted to buy the boat?

What is the life expectancy of a RWC engine?

Thanks for any advice.
Mike

[slipacre]

Hiring a mechanic is a definate must. Of course if the boat has spent the last 20 years in Georgian Bay it may not make much difference. Otherwise excpect the worst. It, after all, is an engine that has had the opportunity to have been mis treated - or properly treated for all these many. When looking at boats I quickly learned that there are problems that can be solved for a reasonalble amount of sweat and or cash and those that can''t. Worst case you need replace Engine Tranny shaft and prop That''s a tidy bundle - if the price is right you can do it if not there are a lot of boats out there. Good luck Todd