Four Winns Liberator 211
 

Hi guys. I got a 1988 Four Winns Liberator 211. It had the 460 OMC in it. I sold the OMC system and am going to Mercruiser. I found a nice 2008 496 Mag 375hp. with just over 150 hrs. on it. A lot of people are telling me to go with a small block instead for the weight savings. I figured I would ask you guys what your thoughts were on the small block vs. big block for my boat. Thanks for your help.

Go with big block for sure. Its not a light boat and needs the torque.

The difference it weight is approximately 150 lbs. Thats effectively one passenger. Get the big block. The big block will produce more torque at a lower rpm and more potential power.

I think people over thing the weight issues on this. If it was a 1000 lb difference then yes. But 150 lbs? That is virtually undetectable in marine performance.

There is a 91 or a 92 211 on my lake, and its been there since new. It has a 425 hp OMC 502 in it and it's a solid 64-66 mph boat. The guy did all sorts of prop testing and the best prop was a Laser, if I remember right he's running a 22 or 23 pitch. Do not go small block you will be disappointed. Look up the difference in weight between a BBC and an SBC, it's not much! If I were you, I would find a nice 502, when you want to modify it, its a much better platform than the 496.

Thank you for the replies. Is the 496 mag not a good option? It is a 2007 with 150 hrs. mated up to a 1988 Bravo 1 that has just been rebuilt and was freshwater used. I can get it all for 5k. Should I pass it up?

my only problem with this is a 88 211 libby is about a 2000 dollar boat. so find a small block alpha junker for a spare powertrain for when you find a hull that has value worthy of that 496 bravo setup. or just accept the fact you are gonna be selling the bare hull for 500 bucks or so.

I know what your saying, but I've had the boat 16 or 17 years. I put a new transom in her about 12 years ago. It's always been freshwater used and kept indoors so it's in pretty good shape. The size works for us right now. I can have it waxed and washed inside and out in 2 hours and the kids can tube and ski off it. So right now it's the perfect boat for us.

I have an '07 496 and it is a great engine. Never had a problem and now have 405 hrs. on it. I don't think you can go wrong with one.

Definitely go with the BBC, but like endeavour32 said, find a 502. Not saying the 496 is a bad platform, just that there is more parts available for the 502.

People put 40,000+ into 20k boats. So, I don't really agree with your point.

I had a 211 Lib that had 350 King Cobra.
Needed more motor.

502s have a better aftermarket, but I think this guy just wants to be one and done, and run this setup for another 16 years, so I say grab the best deal that floats your way.

That is a steal at 5k

That's what I was thinking. The seller is an owner of a company that my brother works for and is an honest guy. Just didn't want to get it and go through all the work and expense of putting it in and then find out I would be better off with a small block. I sold my Cobra 460 engine and out drive for $4k and if I get this Mercruiser package for $5k I didn't think I could go wrong for only $1k out of pocket. Thank you for all of your input.

I had an 88 Liberator 211 with a small block. It was just fine! But i knew that a big block was what the boat really needed, but loved the boat! Definitely put the 496 in that boat, its a great solid engine paired with the bravo will be a nice fit. The 211 Liberator is a nice clean,classic looking boat that always catches the eye.I'm happy to hear you have had it for so long..Its an ageless design that can't be replaced !! All the best with it.Sure brings back great memories!!

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That's in Baltimore. I would take it from Philadelphia to Baltimore through the C & D canal and across the Chesapeake. It is a nice ride and the Liberator handles the Bay pretty good.

I had a 1987 lib 211 with a 514 stroker. Got 69 on gps. Was def a sleeper when a Baja or something or the sorts would pull up. Lol. https://youtu.be/4yjAIar1yXY

Howdy,

I know this thread is a bit old and "stale"!

What did you finally do?

In 2006 I pulled all the OMG460 "junk" out of my 87 211 Lib and installed a 1997 Mercruiser carbureted 7.4L+ Bravo III that I got out of a damage boat for about $5K

The difference was nothing short of spectacular!

Go for the 496 deal, its only costing you a grand. the 211 is a very good boat and if it fits well with you go with the big block. don't get caught up in what the boat is worth to other people because its worth a lot more than 2 grand to you!! damn you are lucky to be able to buy a aluminum deep v 16 foot for 2 grand and that cant even compare to your 211. So its a no brainer get the 496 and enjoy your 211 for many more years.

I agree.

I only paid $5K for the Mercruiser and was able to sell all the OMC "Junque" for about $3700 over a few years piece by piece.

The result was a boat that performs very well, yet costs very little to keep!!

Licensing is only around $30 per year and insurance is equally cheep!!

The difference going from the single prop King Kobra to the Dual Contra-Rotating Bravo III was nothing short of spectacular.

The 211 was a real dog outta the hole (even when it was brand new!) Top speed was ok though.....around 60mph with the stock 460 + 20p 3-blade.
With the stock 454 and B3 it only lost about 3-5 mph but comes out of the hole like a ski-boat now!

If you had to pay someone to do the swap, it probably wouldn't be worth it.
And even now, if I were to sell mine, with only about 250hrs (since new) on the engine and drive, I could probably get a LOT more selling the eng/drive package parted out than I would ever get for the whole boat!

This is a pretty old thread........I was just wondering if the original poster actually made the swap or not.