I'm about to order a new ride and would appreciate your ideas on the power choice.

Boat: 39 Cig
Goal: 100mph+ in fresh water @ 650' above sea level.

I've been running 525's w/ XR's and enjoy the hassle free set-up but... I must reach the century mark.

From what I understand, 700-750 HP will get me there. With that I could run XR drives. But I guess my question is this, I would like to go with the Merc 850 or 1075 w/ #6 but wonder about the maintenance? I'm no mechanic.

How many hours will these motors go before they need to be rebuilt?

How do the #6 drives handle verses the XR's?

Any comments and/or suggestions would be much appreciated.

You should write this thread in the cigarette section. The guys in there have that setup and could give you the straight answers. #6 drives with that mild power are pretty much unbreakable!

Wait until the show opens....Merc may have what you are looking for
Thats the rumor,anyway

Merc. is going to have exactly what you want with an inbetween drive. If you do go with 6's you will love the way they handle. They grab much better and move your boat around the docks alot better.But the new drive might be just what you want and it will accomadate #6 props.

Yea! Thanks for the replys. I'm off to Miami.

I'm sure they will have them in their booth.
But I know for certain there will be a 39 MTI with this new package in the water at the Mariott. Go by and check it out, they are really nice guys.

ifi were doing it again from new. i would find a local builder that has a great reputation and go w/ arnesons.

any way to bum a ride on that boat?

Sure, just show up and tell them you need a ride or ask Randy at the tent.
Its there for demo rides and like I said they are great guys.