Howdy-
Just sold a boat with Mags. I'm currently in the market for a late 80's to late 90's 28-32ft. V hull with twins, that will reach 70mph.
Now, I'm a moderate gearhead, but not much on complete engine rebuilds/teardowns. Most of the boats I'm looking at have either 454 or 502 mags (most of them carbed).
I have run in to a few boats that have the 454/330hp engines, some carbed, some MPI. Keep in mind, I put very few engine hours per year on my boats. I do understand the cast vs. forged internals aspect.
I guess my question is: if the boat has low to mid hours, achieves the speed, has the amenities, and price I'm looking for, will it really matter in the long run if I'm a mag guy or not? Will I be the laughing stock at the dock? I guess I just need the pros and cons (not really concerned about the vanity)

Thank you.

I would say, both motors taken care of should run 800-1000+ hours without a problem. I have seen many of them. If the package meets your speed numbers and has what you like. You can't go wrong. However, if 2 boats were identical, I would obviously go with the Mags. They have better internals and can be upgraded in the future if you want to go faster. The 330hp and the 310hp are pretty much where they are at in terms of HP. Depending on how long you plan to keep the rig, resale will obviously be better on the Mags, as many want performance boaters always want to go faster......or so I have been told....lol. Out of the 3 motors you listed, the 502 is the powerhouse and the choice motor. Great running, uses oil, but they run well and seem to log lots and lots of hours.

If you are going to be keeping the engines stock you can't go wrong with the 330's. You will get many hours of trouble free boating with just routine maintenance (which is also true of the mag motors). If you have any inkling of doing future upgrades I would stick to the mag motors preferably the 502 (better platform for upgrades). Not many are going to know the difference between the 454 330 and 454 385 unless you tell them.

Check out the 1991 32 fountain at pier 57. It has 502 mags, perfect condition, very low hours (250), on a myco. It is my old boat. I only sold/traded it to upgrade to a 42 and I am still losing sleep. I spent nearly 20,000 on the dash and stereo within last year. Needs gas and azz.

I too do not have a Mag - but a "Plain Jane-Stock" 7.4 MPI 310 Hp Bravo 3 system. I like you probably don't run the snot out of the boat/engine. Typically much less than 40 hours per season - and most of that is around 3500 rpm's. On occasion WOT -- top speed for me is 63mph -- 226 Cobalt.

I've been told that the internals of a MAG are stronger, last longer and upgrades to more horsepower are easier -- that's nice if you want to wrench and as a hobby/passion have the time and patience to do that -- I don't have the talent or facilities to do much beyond routine maintenance and then most of the time it is just easier to pay someone to get it done rather than take away boat time.

Reading a number of posts - I for sure don't have a performance boat - but the common thread amongst OSO is to run engines consistently hard -- If I was to run that way I would opt for the most reliable system/components-- I hate things that break!! I have a neighbor that has a 7.4 MAG in a Sunsation and like a lot of people had the top, bottom, sides all worked on to increase the hp. It is beautiful and runs like the wind- in this case it made sense to search out a boat with a MAG engine. He hasn't had any significant issues since the upgrade- except for a "little increase" in fuel consumption.

I don't think you would get laughed off a dock - and if that was the case - so what?? I've always said - people that have - have - and people that don't brag

all the best

3pointstar

Hey Joew.....I've seen the boat at pier57, but it's been "out for detailing" since they've listed it, so I have no reference except for the side view. Any pics you could send me?
Thanks.

Sent you an email with pics and details. If I could afford it, I'd have kept it.