How many hours?????????

[daydreamer152]

Have always owned boats w/2 stroke OB motors. It is comparativly easy to find a "runout" OB and know what you are getting. Am now looking to get a "new" used boat and the market here in N. Texas almost assures that a IO (sterndrive) will be what is available. Now the real question....Assuming proper (?) care, how long will an old car engine (which virtually all IOs are based on) last with good performance and reliability in a boat? Many/most have hour meters. How many hours is reasonable to expect from an engine? More or less time from an I4, V6, or V8? I do realize that your "mileage may vary" but looking for some ideas from people who have owned these engines for some help. Thanks