2112
Founding Member / Contributor
I have a 98', 32' stepped bottom Fountain that is in pristine condition that I have been hanging on to for too long. I spent too much fortifying the gimbals, drives and structure of the boat and got sentimentally attached.....I know, mistake.
Well, I finally came to grips with it needing to find a new home where it will be enjoyed.
Here is my question; I need to put power in as I am a believer that non-powered boats are tough to sell and bring the lowest $. In today's market, boats definitely have finite and unfortunately lower values. I don't think it makes any sense to put $30,000-$60,000 of engines into a boat that I would be ungodly lucky to find a buyer at a price that supports both boat and expensive engines.
I also think one-off custom builds would require that one in a thousand buyer that would want that package. Yes It would be cheaper to install a non-warranty medium power BBC (carbed).
The boat did 70mph with the 7.4L 330 motors at the factory when I had it built. My thinking is to drop in a pair of 383 magnums with a factory Mercury Warranty. With less weight and 25 extra horses, I think the boat should be an honest 72-73mph boat.
These motors are reasonably priced and easy to install.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/383_Magnum.htm
Now I am sure this can turn into a discussion on how you can get more power and performance with bigger and better engines. No argument there. But at what return? Remember, the purpose is to keep the package affordable to attract a buyer in the toughest market in recent history.
Well, Common sense input please, Am I cutting off my nose to spite my face going this route? Remember the circumstances.
.
Well, I finally came to grips with it needing to find a new home where it will be enjoyed.
Here is my question; I need to put power in as I am a believer that non-powered boats are tough to sell and bring the lowest $. In today's market, boats definitely have finite and unfortunately lower values. I don't think it makes any sense to put $30,000-$60,000 of engines into a boat that I would be ungodly lucky to find a buyer at a price that supports both boat and expensive engines.
I also think one-off custom builds would require that one in a thousand buyer that would want that package. Yes It would be cheaper to install a non-warranty medium power BBC (carbed).
The boat did 70mph with the 7.4L 330 motors at the factory when I had it built. My thinking is to drop in a pair of 383 magnums with a factory Mercury Warranty. With less weight and 25 extra horses, I think the boat should be an honest 72-73mph boat.
These motors are reasonably priced and easy to install.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/383_Magnum.htm
Now I am sure this can turn into a discussion on how you can get more power and performance with bigger and better engines. No argument there. But at what return? Remember, the purpose is to keep the package affordable to attract a buyer in the toughest market in recent history.
Well, Common sense input please, Am I cutting off my nose to spite my face going this route? Remember the circumstances.
.