Trying to decided between Merc 4.3 or Merc 5.0

[newfie bayman]

Hi all,
I am looking at buying my first boat which is a 2012 Stingray 215LR. The problem I'm having is, between the 2 Merc engines. The 2 Stingray are identical except one has a "Mercury 5.0 MPI 260 A1" and the other has a "Mercury 4.3 MPI 220 A1". I'm concerned that the smaller engine won't have enough power or speed. I don't plan on doing all day water skiing/tubing, but when I do I want to have enough power. Also, I can get the 4.3 for approximately $8000 cheaper. All input is welcome.

Thanks in advance

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

First, Welcome Aboard.

No question, get the larger motor. Don't debate it, just get it.

Mark

 

[Don S]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

No one ever bought a boat, and said "Darn, should have got the smaller engine" but a lot go the other way.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

I would go with the 4.3l over a 5.0. If it was 4.3l vs 5.7l I would say 5.7l. I have never been a fan of the 5.0l motor. It eats fuel like a V8 but doesn't have all the power advantages like 5.7l gets you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

No one ever bought a boat, and said "Darn, should have got the smaller engine" but a lot go the other way.

Ayuh,.... Nobody Ever comes to the forums with the Problem of to much horsepower...

Thousands show up wantin' to drop in a Bigger motor though...

 

[achris]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

As much as I agree with the above sentiment, I will play devil's advocate.

Situation 1. My boat (see signature). 4.3MPI (220HP) Full noise=43 knots (50mph) Average cruising speed=19 knots/3200rpm (JUST in the power band).
Situation 2. My old engine (1994 4.3LX, 180HP) in a friends 23' Caribean Crusader (a lot heavier than your Stingray). Full noise=36 knots. His original engine was a Mercruiser '230', a 5.0 litre V8, full noise=31 knots.

For me, skiing, go the V8, everyday. But for cruising (and I include using the boat for fishing) you may find the V8 out of the power band and a dog to drive, I'd go for the V6. The possible downside to the V6 is the resale value. It might be easier to sell the boat with a V8 in it easier than with a V6, I know you yanks LOVE your V8s...

An $8k price difference is absurd! If you really want the V8, buy the V6 edition, sell off the V6 and buy a V8 bobtail... Price difference shouldn't be any more than about $3k tops... (And that's in Australia!)

Chris.......

 

[mr300z87]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

5.0 = Junk worst engine GM ever made. cant believe merc still uses it. Just my opinion.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

5.0 = Junk worst engine GM ever made. cant believe merc still uses it. Just my opinion.

Ayuh,... Based on what,..??

 

[mr300z87]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Based on owning and working on friends 305/5.0 powered cars back in the 80s. If GM/Merc did something to improve this engine then I apologize for my statement. I personally would not buy any vehicle boat or car with a 305/5.0.

 

[achris]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Based on owning and working on friends 305/5.0 powered cars back in the 80s. If GM/Merc did something to improve this engine then I apologize for my statement. I personally would not buy any vehicle boat or car with a 305/5.0.

Back in the 80's carburetted vs 2012 MPI (with Vortec heads, roller cams, ect).... Yeah, I can see the similarity.. :facepalm:

 

[mr300z87]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

OK so they updated the heads, cam and induction but the basic block is still the same old 305 from yester year. The OP asked for opinions so I stated mine. I am not a fan of the 5.0/305 no matter what has been done to it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

OK so they updated the heads, cam and induction but the basic block is still the same old 305 from yester year. The OP asked for opinions so I stated mine. I am not a fan of the 5.0/305 no matter what has been done to it.

Ayuh,.... It's the same block as the 350, with smaller bores....

 

[Struc]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

$8000 for 40hp = worst performance to dollar upgrade EVER!

I agree with thumper. If fuel economy is at all important to you, stick with the 4.3l. You'll be plenty happy with the power - way more than enough for tubing or skiing.

From a pure economy of ownership standpoint, I think the 4.3l is the best engine out there.

 

[rick3452]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

5.0 = Junk worst engine GM ever made. cant believe merc still uses it. Just my opinion.

What??? could not disagree more, my 2000 5.0 Carbed engine has almost 900 hrs on it and its awesome...

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

The possible downside to the V6 is the resale value. It might be easier to sell the boat with a V8 in it easier than with a V6, I know you yanks LOVE your V8s...
An $8k price difference is absurd!.... Chris.......

Having recently sold my Maxum that had the 220hp mpi V6, I had several "newbie" lookers who were told by "friends that knew boats" to buy a v8 if at all possible instead of the mpi v6. So mentally, they thought a V6 would be a step down though their needs 95% of the time having a v8 with 40 extra ponies was not needed.
Chris hit that on the head with his comment about the resale value and being an extra $8k would be something to negotiate down or move on.

Mark

 

[79Merc80]

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

Re: Trying to decided between Merc 3.4 or Merc 5.0

My 1981 Glaston SSV 194 has the 305 228hp V-8. I am aware that it's crankshaft rated, so probably only getting 190 at the prop. I am VERY impressed with the power it has, I haven't found a "Flat" spot on the throttle like on every other outbaord I have owned where you have to give it lot of throttle to push past the plowing stage to get on plane. This one just glides on through and I can stop at any point I want and keep that speed. As far as fuel economy goes. I am even more impressed. I worked Seattle's Seafiar boat races in August this year. I also did it in 2001, 2, and 3 with a 16' Glastron w/ a 140hp Inline 6 Merc. We are on the water from 5:30am - 6:30 pm idleing ALL day (With the exception of the air show). The 16' took 13 - 14 gallons each day. The most the 194 took was 9.5 gallons on Saturday. Now cruising at 3k RPM at 31 MPH, I can go from Sandpoint, ID ro Priest River, ID (28 miles each way) and only burn 11 gallons.

I couldn't be happier. The engine also runs so smooth. Idled all day at 700 RPM and never even hickups. Cruises all day at 3k RPM without a cough or hickup. And it's only a 2 barle (Spelling??) carb.

Craig