engine selection

[IBASwimmer]

i'm looking at a new 260. two nearly identical boats with different motors. which is better and why? 350 mag -v- 6.2?

 

[Miller]

I always opt for the biggest engine possible. It may run good on a test drive, but when loaded with fuel, water, people, gear, etc. the boat will handle much different and you are going to want pleanty of power to get on plane. It is going to cost more $$$ for more horsepower, but worth it in my book. Good luck!

 

[Groucho]

I've heard lots of good things about the 350 Mag...tried and true engine...
I've also heard some do not like the 6.2 engine..I'd do some searching on the 6.2 before you buy...

 

[Southpaw II]

You're going to get a little more torque with the 6.2. Since both drives are the same, and the pricebook up-charge is $5K, I would be hesitant to spend the extra for a small improvement in performance for a 5,000 lb. boat.

My strategy would be to act interested and deal on the 350 mag boat. When you get to the end, tell the dealer that you will sign if he gives you the 6.2L boat instead. If you are a qualified buyer, and he knows it, he will not let you walk.

 

[Moose]

This is not a 5,000 lb. boat. Check the specs. The 260DA gained alot of weight from '04 to '05 and beyond. My '04 with the 350 MAG gets up and boogies. No experience with the 6.2 but feel that the extra $$$ might be worth it on DA's from '05 up.

 

[Bajan]

If the extra cost is not a buget buster, It's probably better to have the extra power and not need it, than to find out you need the extra power...and not have it!!

 

[chris41483]

They are both good engines. I have the 350 mag, and it is awesome. I almost bought the 6.2L, but my friend had a bryant 232 with the 6.2, and I could not only out run him, but my fuel tank lasted quite a bit longer. I made fun of him for it for a year, and then towed him in one day because of some electrical problem. the phrase "electrical problem" when referring to a boat scares the hell out of me. chasing down an electrical problem in a marine environment is like trying to find a gremlin

 

[keokie]

That boat, in my opinion, requires a 496.

 

[Moose]

Agree with Keokie, if I was buying a late model 260DA I would opt for the 496.

 

[Bridog]

Agree with Keokie, if I was buying a late model 260DA I would opt for the 496.

And I agree with both. I would have ordered the 496 in my 04 260DA if it was an option back then. And then I may have kept my 260DA.