Merc 6.2 MPI's undersized for '01 356?

Fletcha

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I've narrowed my search to the '01 356 and have in have two boats with 6.2 MPIs at my price, in my area, and otherwise ideally equipped. I've not yet trialed the boat, but am concerned that it is underpowered. Does anyone have experience with a 6.2 equipped 356 and an opinion to share?
 
Fletch: you dont say how or where you intend to use the boat. Larger boats than that with less power have gone all over and provided great fun for people for decades.
 
I would think the 6.2 MPI's would do really well. They are 320 hp, compared to a 454 (7.4MPI) at 330hp, or a 496 (8.1L) at 375hp or the HO at 420hp. I have a 1999 326 aft with twin 350 magnums which are 300hp and I have no problems with the performance. Your pushing alot more wieght with 356 at 23,500#'s but I still think you will be happy.

I have the 6.0L engine in my truck and it is way stronger than a 350 engine.

The 6.2 should use a couple of gallons per hour less than the 8.1 or 7.4 also!
 
I don't think you will see any real losses with that powerplant. My 370 has 454 Crusaders and cruises at 24/25 mph all day long at 3250 rpm, I top out at 33/34 around 4200 rpm.
 
quote:

Originally posted by pdecat

Fletch: you dont say how or where you intend to use the boat. Larger boats than that with less power have gone all over and provided great fun for people for decades.






Boat will be used for weekend cruising in bay & coast of RI/MA (e.g. Portsmouth to Martha's Vinyard). Never in a big hurry, unlikely more than 50 miles in day, 5 people with no unusual amount of gear and such.

I want to be sure the boat can come up on plane reasonably quickly and not struggle due to possible bad match of load & torque.
 
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