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.