I just purchased a 1996 Nordic Scandia 25' Mid-Cabin Open Bow and need help identifying the motor! I was told it was an 8.1, but how do I find our for sure? Anyone know what power packages/horsepower ratings Nordic was putting in these boats in 1996?

I had a '99 & it came with a 330 hp fuel injected 454 Mag & Bravo-1 drive. There was probably an option for a 502. It should be clearly marked on the air filter cover unless it's been altered. You could also reference the s/n on the block.
They also didn't make an open bow, so yours is probably a conversion & I've never seen one on a triple axel trailer. Looks nice!

Thanks!

It actually has a billet flame arrester on it, so it is not marked there. I found a serial #10068286 on the back of the block where do I reference it to?

Is it possible that all of the Chrome/Billet accessories were installed by Nordic or are these aftermarket?

Are you sure that Nordic did'nt offer an open bow -According to NADA, they did offer this boat in an open bow configuration. Also the trailer is not the original trailer it was new in 2003.

Above serial # is the block s/n. The serial # on the Mercury tag by the starter is: D429218 (which I have not been able to reference on the Mercury Parts websites).

I have a 1993 copy of Hot Boat that tests an open bow
Scandia.

I'm of little help on your engine ID however.

Pesky Varmint

I can't swear to it but I do not believe the stock Merc 8.1 was in existance in 1996 and they were never carbed only FI. I believe that a 454 can be stroked to 8.1 but this would not be a stock Merc.

Call Merc Tech Line and ask then to ID the SN

hey shady ! i too have a 96' scandia closed bow that was bone stock when purchased and doesnt look like yours. i think the billet add-ons are aftermarket (looks bad ass too) and the exhaust manifolds and carb dont look like merc. either.....my boat came w/ a 7.4 330 hp that was only gettn 55-58mph...what kind of #'s u pushin w/the 8 ltr ? Rydda 1 Go Nordic !!!

Slim Shady,
I think you have a gen 6 454 with aftermarket bolt ons.
Maybe some internal work. Have you talked to the former owner?
Welcome to the Nordic forum. Pretty boat.
Best Regards,
Steve

I stand corrected. Wasn't aware.