This is who I used.

https://www.coasthigh.com/short-blocks-s/12.htm

Worked out better than I expected. But like I said I had to weight a couple months.

Thanks, I've sent them a message off of their Facebook page.
I'll follow up with their customer-service emails from the webpage and see what they have to offer as a solution.

I now have the boat in my posession... for evaluation, and to see if it's worth the purchase.

Because the motor, is already FORD...

I'd assume, everything currently bolted to the 'tired' motor... would bolt to the crate motor.
... would that be a correct assumption? Or, would I have to worry about year of the motor, etc for fitment of accessories etc?

And... are all 'crate' motors the same? Meaning, one supplier... the same as the other?  Or, some to stay away from... or, the GO TO that I need to buy from?

Lastly... you say; "Had it setup for marine application". When you ordered it, or...? And, what changed from a 'crate' motor to suit it for 'marine application'? .... More info would be helpful.

Thanks for the info...

I'll call Bostick today.

I called JP Marine yesterday, and was a bit surprised at the "rebuild cost" example he gave me. Sounded pretty high.

I also went and looked at the boat. NICE boat for it's age, and would be a good buy if the rebuild or replacement didn't kill the budget.

... so, is there a reason a 'crate motor' wouldn't be a good idea?! I see them all day long for $3k or under. I'd assume, a marine 460 build is much different than a crate motor?  ... sorry for the ignorance, just not too saavy when it comes to this topic.

And no... no jump seats to the backsides of the engine. It's actually a back bench and a flat covered motor compartment. Think; mini day cruiser style. The lower hull is deep enough that the motor cover is flat. Love it that way, for clean lines. My old Warlock 21ft open bow was the same and how I prefer it. The deeper hull seems to ride nice and not porpoise as bad than my old 19ft bubble deck.    ... but, that's another topic.