I am comparing the two boats and top speeds I could expect. First is a 2005 288 496 MAG HO with CMI'S and the other is a 2005 32 Dominator with twin 6.2L's. Thanks in advance.

And yes another BAJA owner considering a Sunsation.

The 6.2 32 will beat the 496 HO by a couple of MPH. My buddy has a 69-70 MPH 04 288 MCOB 496 HO (stock) and my 04 32 MCOB T6.2 (stock) runs 73 MPH GPS. Way more performance upgrades available for the HO's though but the 6.2's are very economical and insurance friendly.

Thank you very god info.. I am worried about re-sale with the 6.2l's

Depending on the market the 6.2's are a better bet. In FL you can't find insurance on HO's for less than 6-7K which is ridiculous on a 32 Sunsation. The dealers are ordering 6.2 boats since people can afford the boat AND the insurance. The big dealer here in FL is Capt's Choice and they order a lot of 496 Mag boats as the middle alternative to the 6.2 or HO boat.

Remember that the 6.2 is 320 HP and in 2000 the 454 was only 330 hp and was heavier. My 04 6.2 boat can hit 73 MPH gps and that was fast in 2000 for the 454's. Mine is also a MCOB so 73 is as fast as I want to go with the open bow.

Agree with the insurance issue on 6.2s. $7K for insurance in Va. Beach with a $100k liability cap. 6.2s for $1.2K with a $500K liability cap. That's with no tickets or other isues.

Seems like you are doing your homework. I agree with all of this advice! insurance seems to be a big issue with the ho's. Seems like a lot of people are looking at the 6.2's as an alterative and it makes sense. You are talking about a savings of thousands of $ for just 1 yr of insurance. Not to mention the 6.2's are about 20 grand less than the ho's in the 32. You are not going to get the top end, but 70 is still decent and you will with out a doubt plan faster and beat the ho to about 35mph due to the weight ratio of the small block verse the big block. The 6.2's also give you more room in the engine compartment and dont see seem to hurt your wallet quite as bad

MegsToyToo - who quoted you that? Seems very high....

The axcelleration of the twin sb in a 32 Dom was reported to be VERy strong ! For what thats worth. Less wear and tear on two drives compared to one. And you have the added security of getting home if one engine has a problem.

I have a 288 Sun with an hp500efi, and love it. But if the dollars are close, I'd go with twins in a slightly bigger boat.

If you go to the Sunsation website, I believe they have some mag articles you can read about the twin 6.2's in a Dom.

I owned an '04 288 & last Aug got into 32 Dominator w/ 496 mags. Jeff is right about the acceleration in the 32. the ride is much better also. the extra room & better ride are what sold my wife on it.

I own the boat featured in Mar 04 Hot Boat (Silver/White 32 MCOB on cover) and with 6.2's the boat runs 73 MPH WOT/ GPS. Speedo shows 75-76 but Garmin shows 73. Boat with HO's will be 7-8 MPH faster but the cost to do that being higher insurance/ fuel/ cost isn't worth the extra few MPH's to me especially in a MCOB.

You can read the article on Sunsations site under the in the news column. HB loved the 6.2 setup in the 32. I bought the boat based on the deal I got, I was looking for a new 32 MCOB regardless of the power.