When you're shopping for marine engines propulsion, the first call is usually between a proven engine with some hours behind it and a pristine, never-fired unit that costs more. This head-to-head stacks the MerCruiser Marine 5.7 L 350 V8 Blue Water Inboard Engine against the Dodge V10 8.0L Indmar Marine Inboard Boat Engine Motor. They're both American-built inboard engines for marine use, but they aim at different buyers.
Quick verdict
The MerCruiser is the pragmatic pick if you want a proven drop-in-ready V8 and want to keep your repower budget in check. The Indmar-built Dodge V10 is the enthusiast's choice if you want a never-fired engine with serious low-end torque and can afford the higher ticket.
At a glance
| Product | Price | Condition | Rundown |
|---|---|---|---|
| MerCruiser Marine 5.7 L 350 V8 Blue Water Inboard Engine 433 HRS Drop In Ready | USD 4,500.00 | Used | Small-block V8 with 433 hours |
| Dodge V10 8.0L Indmar Marine Inboard Boat Engine Motor Brand New 0 Hours | USD 9,500.00 | New | Never fired, 305 HP, 450 lb-ft torque |
Where each product wins
The MerCruiser wins on price and drop-in readiness. It's a Mercury marine small-block V8 offered as a drop-in-ready unit, so it's the more direct replacement path for a common inboard setup. That lower price leaves more room in the budget for installation work or related parts.
The Dodge V10 Indmar wins on freshness and low-end pulling power. It's never been fired, and its torque rating points to strong grunt at lower rpm. That makes it appealing for someone doing a custom build or repowering a heavier boat.
Product notes
MerCruiser Marine 5.7 L 350 V8 Blue Water Inboard Engine 433 HRS Drop In Ready
This is the practical repower choice for many boaters because it's a small-block V8 with a drop-in-ready description and a lower entry price. You're looking at a Mercury marine engine with 433 hours of runtime, not a fresh crate motor, so the condition is used. That's the trade-off: you save money upfront, but you're taking on the wear that comes with 433 hours. The upside is that the 350 V8 platform is a mainstream option, and the listing frames it as ready to drop in for a boat that needs a replacement. If your goal is a straightforward repower without stretching the budget, this one keeps the project realistic.
Dodge V10 8.0L Indmar Marine Inboard Boat Engine Motor Brand New 0 Hours
This engine is a rarity because it's a Dodge V10 8.0L built by Indmar for marine use, and it's listed as brand new with zero hours and never fired. It spent its life as a show piece, which explains the new condition even though the listing mentions a few scrapes and scratches from storage. The torque figure is the standout at 450 lb-ft, and it's rated at 305 HP. The limitations are the higher price and the explicit no-warranty status, so you're buying a fresh, unusual engine with no factory warranty safety net. For a custom build or a show-quality installation, this V10 offers something most used marine engines can't.
Final choice
Choose the MerCruiser at $4,500 if you want a drop-in-ready V8 and are comfortable with a used engine that has real history. Choose the Dodge V10 Indmar at $9,500 if you want a rare, torque-heavy V10 and you can accept the no-warranty status. Both are American-built inboards, but one is about keeping the repower affordable on a proven path, and the other is about getting something fresh and unusual.
