How much of difference?
 

Hi, all,

I'm a newbie to the site and not quite yet a Mariah owner. I'm currently looking at a couple of Z260's. The major differences is the power plant - 5.7L vs. 7.4L. How much of a performance difference is there between the two? I currently own a 23' Tiara with the 5.7 Alpha outdrive. With a full tank and six people it takes a lot of RPM to get up on plane so I am concerned that the 5.7 Mariah will be under powered. Does the Bravo III make up the difference?

Thanks for your feedback.

Doug

Re: How much of difference?
 

The first rule of buying a boat is to always buy the biggest engine. You'll never be happy with the performance otherwise.

If you'll consistently be traveling with 6 people and a full load of gear onboard, get the 7.4L. If you'll be traveling 85% of the time with just 2 people, then the 5.7L would work, and be a little easier on the fuel economy. She'll just be a little bit of a turtle when it comes time for to haul the full load of people.

Just my $.02 :wink_thumbup:

Re: How much of difference?
 

OHHHH Buddy! Had the 5.7, now have the 454 mag. If you get the 5.7 you will kick yourself. That motor will move that boat 40 with a full load . Bravo three will move it a bit easier down low. The 454 mag with a full tank of gas and 5 of us moves my 272 to 54.AWESOME!!! except for the gas issue, but hell, its a boat not a Prius.

Re: How much of difference?
 

LOL! This has to be one of the best quotes I've ever read! :wink_thumbup:

Re: How much of difference?
 

Brochure states:

5.7L, top speed is between 38 and 42.
454 Mag top speed is between 50 and 55.

These are very inflated numbers, if you ask me. The Z260 weighs 6600lbs dry with the base engine (5.7). Factor in fuel @ ~6lbs per gallon, and water at ~8.5lbs per gallon... And that's not even counting the weight of your passengers. It's not going to be a speed demon no matter what engine you go with.

Re: How much of difference?
 

For whatever it's worth, I've been really happy with the fuel economy of the 7.4 in my 6500lb boat. As long as you run it around 3-3200 it is surprisingly efficient. If you pin it, it'll suck like 12 gph but there's no need to do that... often :very_evil:. I do have a stepped hull too though.

lol, I like that too. I actually just ordered a new personalized license plate that says, BRNFUEL. All the hippies in my office are going to love it. :p