236 Engine Size?

[RMW]

Guys,

I own an 2005 211 and I am interested in to upgrading to a 230 or 236 (essentially the same boat from what I've been told).

I am looking at a couple used ones for sale and I would like to know if you feel that the standard 5.7L engine is powerful enough for this boat.

Thanks,

RMW

[NautiDave07]

I have a 236 with the zr6 and with 2-3k of ballast it needs a power prop. If you intend to weight the boat heavy I would stick with the zr6. Buying used you won't be paying full price for the upgrade anyway.

[tdc_worm]

here are a couple of links that are worth noting. as i understand it, all of the marine engine suppliers source their long blocks from GM and "marinize" them with the alternators, starters, etc of their choice. they also tweak the engine programming to achieve certain power numbers.

here is the info for the 5.7L

http://www.gm.com/experience/technol...700_Marine.pdf

here is the info for the 6.0L

http://www.gm.com/experience/technol...LY6_Marine.pdf

if you look at the torque curves for both engines, the 5.7L actually holds a flatter, stronger curve from a lower RPM than the 6.0L. of course this is going to differ slightly according to PCMs engine management strategy (and GM notes that on the pages referenced). w/ the major power components remaining the same (rotating assembley, cylinder/head/intake combos) the curves will remain similar. the curves also indicate that the 6.0L builds its peak power on the top end. with that in mind, the 6.0L's additional power may be more usable for a barefooter or a slalom skier than a wakeboarder given each's rpm operating range.

[NautiUT]

It all depends on location. Here in UT the 5.7 is great for a 21' and smaller. The ZR6 for anything larger than the 21'. Let me know if you have any more questions.