Ok, so I got to spend a little money in Abilene today and I was talking to Bob Means (TIGE SM) about which engine should go back into my 20V since I boneheaded the Mercruiser that was in it. Bob likes the 340 MP Vortec--he showed me one and it looked grand. I had to go back with the 340 hp scorpion because of engine mounts and harnessing. Let's hear it; what's the take on the best engine TIGE' is running....
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I've had Mercruisers in the past and I've always been pretty happy with them.
Our new boat has the 340hp GM Vortec. We've only ran it for less than 5 hours and I can already tell the difference.
The 0-30 mph pull on the GM Vortec is vastly superior to 315 Mercruiser. It also seems smoother and it sounds better.
Again, only 5 hours running but I'm sold.
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I had a Mercruiser in my old boat that I owned for 20 years. I never had any problems with the engine or drive system. I did have to replace a starter selenoid but that was only $20.00.
My friend had a Mercruiser in his first boat that broke two starter casings from starter torgue. After the second starter broke the replace came with a back bracket to support the starter so this indicated a known problem with the starter. My friend wrote Mercury and provided copies of the invoices for the replacement starter. Mercury reimbursed him for the starters because it was a design flaw where the starter bell housing could not stand up to the stress. His second boat had a Mercuiser and he had no problems. In both cases there have never been any problems with the engines and drive assemblies.
Another friend has a Sea Ray with a Mercruiser engine that he has owned for 18 years. Again no problems.
In all cases the engines have been well maintained. They have been kept clean, oil changed regularly, clean fuel, winterized properly (or in my case run at least once a month), all manufacturers recommendations followed, only use OEM parts, and sensible running (no extended running at WOT).
I think that all marine rated engines are excellent considering the load that the engines are required to operate under. With good maintenance all the engine systems will last a long time and give excellent service. Proper use also contributes to a long life.Ray Thompson
2005 22V
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I kinda feel that the 340hp motor is overkill for the 20V. We have a 20V here w/ the 340hp motor + synchrotec, and the boat is almost overpowered. The 315hp motor w/ synchrotec would be plenty, if you are not afraid of a carbureted motor.
No matter what, you cant really go wrong... All the manufacturers use the same block, and almost identical internals. PCM tends to do a better job marinizing their motors, but you pay a hefty fee for that. Merc tends to get a bad rap in towsports, and they seem to exaggerate their power ratings.
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FKM, I think that you are partially right. PCM is top notch, but at a price.
But, the 315 hp Merc is a fuel injected engine not carburated. I can't believe that nearly any boat could be overpowered with the 340 hp, especially the 20V. If it ever gets really weighted down you will want all of that power. My friend has a 20V with the Scorpion Merc (330 hp) and he needs it.
I had heard that one of the problems with Merc from a mfgr's point of view is that they are conservative with hp ratings, not exagerated. Just compare them to the others.
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Originally posted by Paublo
FKM, I think that you are partially right. PCM is top notch, but at a price.
But, the 315 hp Merc is a fuel injected engine not carburated. I can't believe that nearly any boat could be overpowered with the 340 hp, especially the 20V. If it ever gets really weighted down you will want all of that power. My friend has a 20V with the Scorpion Merc (330 hp) and he needs it.
I had heard that one of the problems with Merc from a mfgr's point of view is that they are conservative with hp ratings, not exagerated. Just compare them to the others.
I have been in a ski-centurion w/ a 330hp merc motor, and let me tell you I was very disappointed, the tige's with the 340mp motor was noticeably better.
Just FYI, the 315hp marinepower motor is carbureted, which is what i meant by that.
Naturally, it depends how much weight you want to put in the boat. But IMO, even with 1000# of ballast, 310hp is more than adequate for a 20v. ---But, to each his own.
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