is bigger better?
 

Does anyone know how much of a performance difference there is going from a z258 with a 502 to a z302 with same engine.

Re: is bigger better?
 

Here's a comparison:

258 weight: 4450
302 weight: 6200
258 fuel: 90 gal (540lbs)
302 fuel: 125 gal (750lbs)

302 with a 7.4L (according to the brochure) will do 46-51mph. Although I've always found those numbers to be quite inflated from the actual speeds you'll get.

Weight wise, you're looking at roughly a 2,000 lb heavier boat with the 302. It'll still go, just not as fast as your 258.

Re: is bigger better?
 

Thanks for the reply 280, i guess ive been bitten and cant decide if i want to stay with what i have or go up a few more feet. with the new props, it jumps out of the water, has the same top end, just more rpm, and it must be carrying the bow higher because it seemed to cut through choppy water a lot smoother yesterday. this thing is the most well built boat i have owned thus far, and it looks more like a late 2000's model, and that is why i cant decide if i want to just keep this one and sink some money into it for performance and handling or sell and move up to a larger and possibly different brand because there are very few nice low hour original mariah's left that owners would turn loose of. im sure i will have to do the dreaded gimbal over the winter or early next spring.