Wozencraft
08-09-2007, 08:49 PM
Remember the days when the 454 Magnum was the ultimate engine package for your new custom boat? Through the last half of the 90's and ending around 2002 these motors sported 385 HP. WOW! That was a lot...or was it?
Back in the late 90's a good friend of mine Jason Glasser sold boats for Commander, then for Eliminator up through 2003. I remember him selling, and me insuring 21' - 25' boats with the standard 454 motors w/ 310HP. It was a big upgrade to sell the Magnum w/ the extra HP, forged pistons, crank, etc. And if someone wanted REAL power, they would step up to the 502 w/ 415HP!!!
Today, the 496HO is the engine of choice sporting 425 HP. WOW! ...still not enough!? Are we getting close to finding this engine package too slow, obsolete and in need of an upgrade?
COST
Without spending too much money and moving over to a Mercury Racings HP525 and up, Ilmor, Teague, Pfaff, GT Performance, (just to name a few), most people 'usually' make there decision between the two 496 models. The high perf./racing motors are very nice but can add a lot of extra cost. Of course there's always the basic cost per every MPH gain. What is the average going rate, $1200 /ea MPH gain???
LENGTH
Is the 496HO enough...most likely "YES" if we are purchasing a boat under 24'. If we are purchasing a 19'-23' boat, wouldn't the 496HO package be plenty? It should have good power, reliability and a fair price. What do you think?
INSURANCE
Getting insurance for just about any hull design is much easier to obtain and afford with the 496 motors. However, it may cost more if the boat is under 24' since the speeds will be higher than on larger boats.
It's quite humorous how we keep outdoing ourselves on power, size, extras, etc. I think we mirror a lot of what happens in the auto market. Except I haven't seen the Hybrid boat yet :) However, we have seen turbo diesels in boats (and I think there is a lot more to come with this). Is it inevitable that gas docks will eventually be selling kerosene???
What's your take?
Back in the late 90's a good friend of mine Jason Glasser sold boats for Commander, then for Eliminator up through 2003. I remember him selling, and me insuring 21' - 25' boats with the standard 454 motors w/ 310HP. It was a big upgrade to sell the Magnum w/ the extra HP, forged pistons, crank, etc. And if someone wanted REAL power, they would step up to the 502 w/ 415HP!!!
Today, the 496HO is the engine of choice sporting 425 HP. WOW! ...still not enough!? Are we getting close to finding this engine package too slow, obsolete and in need of an upgrade?
COST
Without spending too much money and moving over to a Mercury Racings HP525 and up, Ilmor, Teague, Pfaff, GT Performance, (just to name a few), most people 'usually' make there decision between the two 496 models. The high perf./racing motors are very nice but can add a lot of extra cost. Of course there's always the basic cost per every MPH gain. What is the average going rate, $1200 /ea MPH gain???
LENGTH
Is the 496HO enough...most likely "YES" if we are purchasing a boat under 24'. If we are purchasing a 19'-23' boat, wouldn't the 496HO package be plenty? It should have good power, reliability and a fair price. What do you think?
INSURANCE
Getting insurance for just about any hull design is much easier to obtain and afford with the 496 motors. However, it may cost more if the boat is under 24' since the speeds will be higher than on larger boats.
It's quite humorous how we keep outdoing ourselves on power, size, extras, etc. I think we mirror a lot of what happens in the auto market. Except I haven't seen the Hybrid boat yet :) However, we have seen turbo diesels in boats (and I think there is a lot more to come with this). Is it inevitable that gas docks will eventually be selling kerosene???
What's your take?