It is up to you. Difference between a V8 and the 3 liter is about 10 mph and 3X the gas. Do you want to talk about the MPH it does while it sits in the yard or actually use it. For what your talking of doing the original motor is plenty. Switching over to anything else you need exhaust and outdrive. Cost go way way up.
My buddy has a V-8 in a similar sized boat I got the 3 liter, There is not a big difference, Cruise speed is the same. His top speed is better but you never use it. Your getting beat to death going that fast unless the river is glass.
I got 30 cruise speed. I got gas every 6 weeks last summer. I went out once or twice a week. They got their points. Mine does have a huge tank tho I admit.
But if you want a number to talk about spend the bucks. Like my buddy said. There is a reason 3 liters outsold everything else. And the market is flooded with big engine boats. Nobody is selling the 3 liter ones they keep them till they die. And they last forever.
My buddy had a 3 liter till he wore it out. He had 3 adult children and his wife and inlaws to haul around. That is why he went to the bigger engine. Now it is just him and one other rider he wishes he had the 3 liter back.
