303 PCM vs 343 PCM....Im not understanding the numbers

[barry1me]

According to boattest.com the 303 outperforms the 343 in fuel economy, 0-plane, and 0-30mph.....what are the advantages to the 343hp motor?

http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_v...51#Test-Result

http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_v...52#Test-Result

[MoneyPity]

HP is not the only measure of an engines performance. Torque is a very important spec and as the load on the boat increases, the more important a higher torque spec is important for acceleration,popping up a slalom skier and pulling boarders with ballast. My 20V had an MP 340 and when I federalist 20V with the 5.0L at 230lbs on a 68inch plank I could tell th difference thus I turned down a great deal on a new 20V with a 5.0L

Dom from Forte can give a much better explanation than I.

[dom w. forte]

HP is not the only measure of an engines performance. Torque is a very important spec and as the load on the boat increases, the more important a higher torque spec is important for acceleration,popping up a slalom skier and pulling boarders with ballast. My 20V had an MP 340 and when I federalist 20V with the 5.0L at 230lbs on a 68inch plank I could tell th difference thus I turned down a great deal on a new 20V with a 5.0L

Dom from Forte can give a much better explanation than I.

Your answer is right on , the 5.7 343hp has more torque then the 5.0l and as the boat gets heavier with more ballast etc , the 5.7 will use less energy to do the same job.
In the long haul the 343 will last longer, due to less stress unless you are going to use the boat completely stock in which case the 5.0 might work for you, however your next problem would be down the road in resale.