As Crownline

Ive got a 98 crownline 202 with the merc 454 and bravo 1. Pretty much stock only thing I have done besides maintenance is I added captains call through hull exhaust.

Im fairly happy with the boat as is but im pondering upgrades. It has 350 hours on it.

I was thinking of install a fast or holly efi kit implace of the carb for better starting and reliability.
Im no stranger to efi but no experience in a boat.

Wondering if its worth the funds or if I should just upgrade to a newer boat.
My boats still incredibly nice for the age of it and just needed a tune up at this point I think.

Thanks for any info!

SB

iTrader: (1)

If you want to do it, do it.

I would consider put the stock power away just in case it can get you more $$$ later if you ever sell it.

CDShack

You put something about a boat and "worth it" in the same sentence! haha!
If boats were a good investment, we'd all be rich on here! The investment is in the fun of doing it and the fun of seeing what it will do after you're done. (more of a feeding the addiction thing then investment in fun really)

As SB said, if ya wanna do it, do it! (and keep us posted)

As Crownline

Haha yea I know what you mean. Ive been playing with jet skis for some time now and wanted to get into boats more.
I was wondering if it would be a better to buy a efi boat "newer" or install efi myself.

What are some of the routes to 500hp for my 454 merc? From what I read step one is exhaust.
What should I look for?

Thanks

AllDodge

iTrader: (1)

You have a 22 footer with 330HP and you want to go to 500, that's a big step. My 23 foot Rinker cuddy (4500 pounds) will hit about 60MPH with the same setup. You could do it but maybe think along the line of the 385 to 415 size. No expert on engine building here (been trying to get info my self), but I pulled my 454 and put a 502 in. If you have a lot of hours on your 454 maybe pick up a 502 crate motor like I did and install it. Going from 330 to 415HP on mine made a large difference, but I also weight in a 10,000 pounds.

Trash

I think it would be a great experiment. Keep your motor and make it a stroker 496" class motor. Add EFI like you stated. What a great project. Take your time and have fun. Most importantly report back lessons learned, pictures and performance improvements.

As Crownline

Dose a regular 454 auto style efi intake bolt right up to the heads?

Oval or rectangle ports?

Cory H

Your gains would be negligible compared to what you would see with a performance boat. I am not bashing Crownline, as they build a nice comfortable, plush family boat. I have owned two, my first boat a 182BR and second a 266LTD. You would be better to enjoy it for what it is. If speed is what you want, then sell it and buy a more performance oriented boat.

CrownHawg

A buddy had a CL 202 w/ a Bob Lloyd 454 motor putting out about 450hp and it was a handful. It was a quick little boat, but much over 65 and it was scary. Like Cory said, if it's speed you want, go bigger. I went from a CL 225LPX to a 32 Advantage cause I wanted to go faster (safer). Good luck!

As Crownline

Thanks for the info. I will start looking at other boats.