343 OR 409

[bja37]

I'd like to solicit some "expert" opinions before I finalize my RZ2 order...

What do you guys think? Is it worth the extra coin?

[chpthril]

Lake elevation?

How much ballast do you plan to run on a regular basis?

Whats the size of your regular crew?

[bja37]

around 1000 feet

getting the surf ballast package

usually 4 adults, 4 kids.

[chpthril]

I do not think you would be at all disappointed with the 343Hp and an ACME 1235. The surf ballast will exceed the capability of the stock 537 prop long before the engine struggles.

[robert theisen]

I have the Pro Ballast in mine.With it full and 5 adults on board it doesn't struggle getting on plane with taps on 1.Then switch taps to 6 at 23.5 mph(my wakeboard speed).Like chpthrl said you may need a new prop with extra surf ballast.

[rensink]

I have always opted for the 409hp in all my boats just for the simple that it's nice to have if you ever needed it for many reasons. However I have also loaded my boat down with 3,000 + with people so there is always that for myself. For you and surf ballast the smaller motor with the right prop will help a ton kind of a choice when ordering the boat if you really want it or need it.

[IDBoating]

I've never said:

"I wish this thing had a smaller engine."

Just a thought....

[rensink]

I've never said:

"I wish this thing had a smaller engine".

Just a thought....

Agreed same here

[tnvolgrad]

The resale value and added fuel efficiency are well worth the dollars. As mentioned the 343 will work just fine, but the 409 is extremely efficient and is an excellent resale feature.

[ragboy]

You def don't NEED the 409. The 343 will give you plenty of power for surfing even adding lots of weight. Our 2010 RZ2 handled great, and we tested from stock to slammed. Our lake is at 800-900 feet, so almost the same.

The RZ2 with the 409, however, is a kick in the pants. Its plenty sporty unweighted with the 343, but the 409 really makes it more fun. The thing is, you have to weigh out the benefit over extra cost, but we tested the fuel economy on the RZ4 for a few months with the 409, and it was basically the same as the 343.

So what I tell people, if you can afford the extra hit when you order, just get it. I don't think you will regret it. That extra HP really make the boat more fun when unweighted, although you probably won't notice too much wakesurfing or wake boarding unless you add extra ballast. The 409 under load seemed to hold the speed better, less cavatation, and most def gets you out of the hole better.

I never got the RZ2 up to top speed with the 409 unweighted, I bet its close to 50, maybe someone else can answer that. If I remember the RZ2 with the 343 was like 45 unweighted.

I know, I know, not a speed boat, but there have been a few times the lake was butter and we were heading across giant lake oroville and had a bit of fun. ;-)

[dom w. forte]

I come from a never get rid of my boat mentality, the 343 is more than enough for all purposes but I prefer the 409 because it comes with a heat exchanger and this makes the engine last longer, no internal corrosion as well as no cold flash issues.

[bja37]

I'm going with the 409....should I still consider the Acme prop or is it overkill?

[rensink]

I'm going with the 409....should I still consider the Acme prop or is it overkill?

Wait and see how you think the boat performs I ran the Acme 1235 on 2 of my boats and thought it was necessary then on my 12' I wanted to try it with out the prop and it performed very well so it's just sitting around for a back-up if needed.

[ragboy]

I don't think you are going to need it at all. We never went up to the 1235 on the RZ2 even with the 343, only with the 24Ve.

[Nobody]

Bigger is always better.