5.0L 305 or 7.4L 454

[src]

I've never heard anyone at the boat ramp say "I wish I had gotten the smaller motor."

Listen at the gas dock. :grin:

 

[Ccoe1]

When will they come out with a hybrid.

 

[CV-23]

The problem with the 305 is it is less of everything a 350 or 383 offers at the same weight. They are also more expensive to repair with no gains in power or efficiency, Mike.

 

[itsabowtime2]

Something to consider is that dreaded day when you make the decision to sell. Think about how you are feeling about the SBC vs. the BB. Others will have the same concerns and you may find it take longer to sell as the perception of 'underpowered' takes effect.

 

[Ccoe1]

I found a new boat for sale now, its a 230 bowrider with a 305 in it. The floor plan is awesome and comes with some nice ammenities. Now you guys have me questioning the 305 now that this is a bigger boat. I am really wanting the 350 now but still cant seem to find one.

 

[mainstream]

Hello I think yOu should sea trial both tyPes of power plants i have owned 3l to 8.1 you will find all different opinions but you will be the one to make your choice it will depend on how you use the boat and how you load it the bb defiantly has more raw grunt power out of the hole withies torque but you might find the sb to be fine too it is all personal preference as for maintenance and repairs all I can say is it's a BOAT so it's all relitive to the lifestyle I would look at all the opinions then make your own decision if I found a clean boat with a 5.0 and a not so clean 7.4 I'd go for the better of the two IMHO

 

[SeaRide]

I found a new boat for sale now, its a 230 bowrider with a 305 in it. The floor plan is awesome and comes with some nice ammenities. Now you guys have me questioning the 305 now that this is a bigger boat. I am really wanting the 350 now but still cant seem to find one.

CC,

What year is the 230? Is it a 5.0 EFI or MPI? Bravo III or Alpha? Also, does it have trim tabs?

 

[Ccoe1]

It is the EFI with the alpha 1 outdrive. No trim tabs

 

[SeaRide]

OK. Then it should be a 1997 - 2000 model.

If you sea trial this boat, you will find that it planes quickly with minimal bow rise, unless you have the aft bench full of people and no one sitting in the bow area. It's also a very nice riding hull. Mine is equipped with a 260 HP 5.7 EFI. It is capable of pulling all 215 lbs of me up on a slalom ski with six adults onboard. I typically cruise between 2,800 rpm and 3,200 rpm. I have never had a problem pulling skiers and tubing is a non-issue. I cannot comment on how this boat would perform with a 240 HP 5.0 EFI as I have never been behind the wheel of one. I suspect it would be adequate but nothing more. I have driven later versions with a 350 MAG/B-III and that is a very good combo. for this boat. SR has used MPI versions of the 5.0 in boats as large as a 260 DA.

Good luck.

 

[Ccoe1]

Thanks searide, Im really liking this boat. Only problem is, its 8hrs away. The guy is very helpful and iformative. Knowin my luck it will be sold anyway.

 

[SeaRide]

You are welcome. The 230 has several other nice attibutes including nice cockpit and bow depth, a very large ski locker that extends underneath the bow area, helm storage, storage under the bow & stern seats, a reasonably sized anchor locker, and more storage under the glove box (the port, bow backrest opens from the bottom and is hinged a the top), a wind blocker door, and a windshield wiper (yes it is usefeul).

I do not think you will find many well kept boats from the late 90s and early 2000s. If this is one you would like to pursue, I would start driving. You may also want to line up a couple of others along the route.

 

[Ccoe1]

Now im torn, I found a 210 bowrider in nc. with a 350 in it. I do like the floor plan but not as much as the 230. It does have the motor I would like to have now.

 

[Dave 205]

A 210 with a 350 would be great. The 210 runs just a bit heavier then my sport series, but the added power would have to be plenty to leave mine in the spray.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

There is always going to be another boat. In this case I would try to find the biggest boat with the best power you can find. Everything looks bigger on a trailer.

 

[blaster]

All that matters is what you want. If both will suit your needs then choose the one which is in better overall condition. Don't get caught up too much on the power. Size matters more than faster top speed. You can always prop down for more low end but you can't soften the ride unless you have a larger heavier boat.