Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

To: tpenfield

So the heavier for you has provided the best ride quality?

Did you own a smaller boat prior?
 

TomB985

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Messages
213
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

To: tpenfield

So the heavier for you has provided the best ride quality?

I'm not tpenfield, but I have something to say about this...

It depends on a lot of factors! Deadrise is one of the bigger ones, as this influences how well the boat can cut through waves as opposed to ride over the top of them. My Larson has a relatively deep deadrise and therefore handles waves better than a similar sized Bayliner with a shallower deadrise. I've been on some bigger boats that didn't necessarily handle waves any better.

Not saying that deadrise is all there is to it, but using it to illustrate that there are lots of factors besides weight!
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

I'm not tpenfield, but I have something to say about this...

It depends on a lot of factors! Deadrise is one of the bigger ones, as this influences how well the boat can cut through waves as opposed to ride over the top of them. My Larson has a relatively deep deadrise and therefore handles waves better than a similar sized Bayliner with a shallower deadrise. I've been on some bigger boats that didn't necessarily handle waves any better.

Not saying that deadrise is all there is to it, but using it to illustrate that there are lots of factors besides weight!

I agree with what you just said. I had an older 1987 Larson Citation 17ft'er that handled the water very well. Felt much bigger than a 17ft'er. The only reason I sold it was because the engine in it was not a good model other wise I would have kept it.

Is there a certain degree range in "Deadrise" that is recommended for best ride quality?
 

Pete104

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
1,439
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Even though the thread will be moved, I'll throw my $.02 in!

I would go with the Celebrity. You've got everything you need right there if you ever want the 5.7L. Just make sure the gimbal ring is tight.
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Even though the thread will be moved, I'll throw my $.02 in!

I would go with the Celebrity. You've got everything you need right there if you ever want the 5.7L. Just make sure the gimbal ring is tight.

So what you're saying is if I wanted to upgrade to 350 block down the road then everything I need is already there?

Since the celebrity is smallest length wise, what did you like better about the celebrity vs the other two?
 

Pete104

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
1,439
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

The year. You've got the manifolds that match the bullhorn (exhaust tube) that is already fastened to the gimbal housing that is holding an MR gearcase. Without a serial number we don't if the engine is a "full circle" rear main or 2 piece. Regardless, you have the center rise manifolds which is good! Much better than the log style.

My $.02 turned into a half dollar!lol
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

The year. You've got the manifolds that match the bullhorn (exhaust tube) that is already fastened to the gimbal housing that is holding an MR gearcase. Without a serial number we don't if the engine is a "full circle" rear main or 2 piece. Regardless, you have the center rise manifolds which is good! Much better than the log style.

My $.02 turned into a half dollar!lol

Ok now you have my attention. You mentioned the log style? Curious to know what you mean by the log style?

My local mechanic is always in favor of newer boats and wasn't really impressed with the late 70's & early 80's engine's espcially pre-alpha.
 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

All 3 seller's have said the transom, floor, and stringer are in good shape. How would I know the transom is bad while on land??

Well, look through the threads, you will find allot of sellers were not that honest or just didn't know enough themselves.

For the transom, look for any loose through bolts, bulges in glass (swollen wood), cracks near outdrive, and if you can make the transom flex by yanking on the outdrive, it needs major work. Also can test for moisture on the inside.

Running an engine on muffs is just a basic check. There can be many issues that don't show up until under load. At least do a compression check, but that is still not as good as a load test. Check oil for water.

Put the outdrive in gear (prop off), it should sound smooth. Again, not a good test without being under load. Drain a little drive oil out, check for water and metal shavings. Make sure the outdrive is one you can still get parts for. Test up and down trim and full steering motion.

Given the age and the pricing, you are most likely buying a project boat. Finding the one that needs the least amount of work, will be key to your overall enjoyment.
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Well, look through the threads, you will find allot of sellers were not that honest or just didn't know enough themselves.

For the transom, look for any loose through bolts, bulges in glass (swollen wood), cracks near outdrive, and if you can make the transom flex by yanking on the outdrive, it needs major work. Also can test for moisture on the inside.

Running an engine on muffs is just a basic check. There can be many issues that don't show up until under load. At least do a compression check, but that is still not as good as a load test. Check oil for water.

Put the outdrive in gear (prop off), it should sound smooth. Again, not a good test without being under load. Drain a little drive oil out, check for water and metal shavings. Make sure the outdrive is one you can still get parts for. Test up and down trim and full steering motion.

Given the age and the pricing, you are most likely buying a project boat. Finding the one that needs the least amount of work, will be key to your overall enjoyment.

How do I test for moisture?

The seller with the 1984 celebrity claims the boat was in the water all day 2 weeks ago and has been using it all season so I would think it's in good mechanical condition for it's age.
 

joewithaboat

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 3, 2011
Messages
1,172
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

If there is someway you can scrape together another 1k you can jump ahead ten years in models. It will get you into much more efficient engines newer drives etc. If you don't live in a large metroplex look in the nearest one that has lakes, boats are cheaper everywhere this time of year.
Don't mean to be a downer on you're current finds.;)

As to those boats, which ever one is in the best overall condition would be my choice. The condition of the drive is often overlooked. Never liked 305's, but if that boat is in the best overall condition, I would over look that.

As to the moister meter test... i own a millwork shop and use a 250.00 pinless meter very often. It will tell you if there is moister present, but unless the boat has not been used or rained on anytime recently this will not tell you much. Meaning you will get a false positive for moister problems. They are very sensitive.

Follow the advice on looking at the rot problems, Knock on the transom, check the floor over VERY well... where seats are screwed down and engine mounts are attached is a good place to start. Peel carpet back in the corners. Don't fall for the new floor over the old floor trick.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

If there is someway you can scrape together another 1k you can jump ahead ten years in models. It will get you into much more efficient engines newer drives etc. If you don't live in a large metroplex look in the nearest one that has lakes, boats are cheaper everywhere this time of year.
Don't mean to be a downer on you're current finds.;)

As to those boats, which ever one is in the best overall condition would be my choice. The condition of the drive is often overlooked. Never liked 305's, but if that boat is in the best overall condition, I would over look that.

As to the moister meter test... i own a millwork shop and use a 250.00 pinless meter very often. It will tell you if there is moister present, but unless the boat has not been used or rained on anytime recently this will not tell you much. Meaning you will get a false positive for moister problems. They are very sensitive.

Follow the advice on looking at the rot problems, Knock on the transom, check the floor over VERY well... where seats are screwed down and engine mounts are attached is a good place to start. Peel carpet back in the corners. Don't fall for the new floor over the old floor trick.

Good luck!

So when you say scrap together another $1,000 I bump up 10 year's you are talking $3k range or 2k to 3k range?

Yeah I missed out on couple of deals on two Century boats 1985 & 1988 in the 1k range so I'm kicking myself because I like the Century 18ft - 19ft Bowrider models as they seem to be pretty sturdy from what I can tell or at least during the 80's.

One person mentioned the price of boats are still dropping.. We're in November and find it hard to believe that boats would be any cheaper from December through March but hell you never know right?
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

I mentioned the lower prices. From what I can tell December and January are the best times to buy a boat on price. It may be different where you live.
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

I mentioned the lower prices. From what I can tell December and January are the best times to buy a boat on price. It may be different where you live.

I live 3 1/2 hrs away from Chicago, St. Louis, Minneaplos, and Milwaukee but have not looked for a boat in January or February because the weather here is horrible and the weather is as stable as the opposite gender mood swings..lol...JK! Just in case any ladies are reading this post.

Makes sense because why would anyone want to buy a boat in the freezing cold? Moody weather? Maybe a crazy like me looking for a deal of a life time? Yeah for the right deal I can hang with the best!
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

I mentioned the lower prices. From what I can tell December and January are the best times to buy a boat on price. It may be different where you live.

Hey by the way Spokane rocks! I used to date a girl long distance from Spokane and she was alot of fun & people in your city are laid back so very cool city!!
 

joewithaboat

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 3, 2011
Messages
1,172
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

So when you say scrap together another $1,000 I bump up 10 year's you are talking $3k range or 2k to 3k range?

Yeah I missed out on couple of deals on two Century boats 1985 & 1988 in the 1k range so I'm kicking myself because I like the Century 18ft - 19ft Bowrider models as they seem to be pretty sturdy from what I can tell or at least during the 80's.

One person mentioned the price of boats are still dropping.. We're in November and find it hard to believe that boats would be any cheaper from December through March but hell you never know right?

Right, if you could get 3k together i think you can start looking in the 90's. If you have 3k don't look at boats people are asking 3k for, look at boats people are asking 5-6 k for. Remember banks won't loan money on old boats, except a signature loan. Buyers with 5 to 6 k cash are limited especially in a down economy. Between it being the end of boating season and the bad economy, its a buyers market.
Look at the boat, size it up make an offer or just give them a card with your name and number with a standing cash offer. I promise you if you look at 10 boats for 5-6 k, and leave your name with a 3k cash offer, at least one will call you back. Take notes and do your research, give it a good look over before you make an offer of course.
Good luck!
 

jmw129

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
253
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Right, if you could get 3k together i think you can start looking in the 90's. If you have 3k don't look at boats people are asking 3k for, look at boats people are asking 5-6 k for. Remember banks won't loan money on old boats, except a signature loan. Buyers with 5 to 6 k cash are limited especially in a down economy. Between it being the end of boating season and the bad economy, its a buyers market.
Look at the boat, size it up make an offer or just give them a card with your name and number with a standing cash offer. I promise you if you look at 10 boats for 5-6 k, and leave your name with a 3k cash offer, at least one will call you back. Take notes and do your research, give it a good look over before you make an offer of course.
Good luck!

Joe, that is sweet advice! Sounds like you're the man when it comes to boat purchasing. Especially the boat loan part with lender's, you make a sound financial statement on that. 1 in 10 going down 33% to 50% is a sweet number.

You know, all of these cheaper boats I have listed all came down 30% to 40% from asking price so it only makes sense that the other price tier's would follow.

Everyone reading this thread.. Joe has made a valid point I think alot of buyer's forget about. Time to step-up the game plan. I'll keep you posted Joe.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Just some numbers on the engines and speeds. As already pointed out you won't be sitting on WOT all that often, but....

My 20' boat has a 2006 220hp 4.3L V6(that's crankshaft hp, Merc went back to rating stern drive engines at crankshaft 1-1-2003!) and pushes it at WOT to 49.6mph.

The old V6 (180 prop hp) got dropped into a 23' cuddy which had a 305 (228 crank hp). Originally that boat did just 34mph, with my old V6 it does over 41 mph....

Just at add some confusion to the issue... :D:D:D
 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Merc went back to rating stern drive engines at crankshaft 1-1-2003!

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/mercruiser/

They all still say HP @ prop.

I did notice the Merc remans are labeled at crank.


But, what is disturbing, is that the 5.0L and 5.7L carb engines are missing. Have they been discontinued? If so, I assume it was emmissions reasons. I remember seeing some input about adding cats, but missed the demise of the sbc carb.
 

joewithaboat

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 3, 2011
Messages
1,172
Re: Merc 305 Vs. 350 - Input Please!

Joe, that is sweet advice! Sounds like you're the man when it comes to boat purchasing. Especially the boat loan part with lender's, you make a sound financial statement on that. 1 in 10 going down 33% to 50% is a sweet number.

You know, all of these cheaper boats I have listed all came down 30% to 40% from asking price so it only makes sense that the other price tier's would follow.

Everyone reading this thread.. Joe has made a valid point I think alot of buyer's forget about. Time to step-up the game plan. I'll keep you posted Joe.

I will of course be getting asking price for mine when i decide to sell. :D :D
 
Top