496 (375hp) reliability and speed.
 

Folks,

I am having built a 31ft powerboat, full deck and cabin - approximate weight 7000 pounds, non stepped hull, 24 degree deadrise

Was originally going with bracket and outboards, but now looking at sterndrive.

Opitions are new 496 (375hp) and/or 6.2 mpi (320hp) both with bravo drives.

Are these a good package for this kind of boat.

What speed do you recon i can expect with either of these engines on this boat?

What is the word on reliablity and quality of either of these engines?

Outboards were my thing, are these a good engine for a novice to the sterndrive market to start with?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Rhory

Re: 496 (375hp) reliability and speed.
 

There are a ton of boats out there that would be comparable to what you are looking at. Top speed I would say should be 70 mph +/-2 mph. go with a side by side configuration. you will like the slow speed handling better. I would go with as big of engine as you can afford. the 496 is very easy to maitain with the closed cooling system.

Good luck and have fun

Re: 496 (375hp) reliability and speed.
 

I agree with Payton, the 496 engine is the best option for your new 31 for durabiltiy and power per dollar. If you need more power our parts and kits will get it up to some awesome levels. good luck with the new boat, be safe and have fun!
Good Luck,
Raylar

Re: 496 (375hp) reliability and speed.
 

Am I reading that you plan on making this a single engine set up? If you are then you will be VERY disappointed. A boat this size and weight will need twins. The 496's would be a good reliable package.

Re: 496 (375hp) reliability and speed.
 

Yeah what Evil Twin said. A single engine will have a hard time pushing that boat. Twin 375's should run around 65. I have twin 440's that run low 70's, 30' @ 6200 #'s.

Re: 496 (375hp) reliability and speed.
 

Sorry guys,

i am looking at either Twin 496's or twin 6.2 - general consensus seems to be a pair of 496's

Thanks for the insight

Rhory