zr6 vs. pcm

[chuey12]

im sure this topic has been beaten to death but i couldn't find anything with the search, so pls bear with me.
I'm in the market for a 2006-8 220 SAN and i would like to know if there is that much of a difference in the engines. My neighbor has the ZR6 and i know how that pulls (nice) but ive never been in a PCM boat. My scenario would typically be 2 families, pulling a wakeboarder(or big tube for the kids), with full ballast. Will the PCM suffice? Is the closed system that important? does it require more maintenance? It would solely be in fresh water.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
thanks.

[NautiDave07]

Not sure as to the specifics to your question here. The ZR6 and the Excalibur 343 are both pcm engines. As far as the 220 goes I don't thinks a 343 excalibur would be a deal breaker for me. If proped correctly it should be fine. If you are asking about reliability and power from a PCM I believe they are second to none. I have had two nautiques for a total of 8 years and have never done anything major to either one besides a fuel pump. I have several friends with indmar equipped boats and they seem to have far more issues.

[swc5150]

Both are PCM engines. You're referring to the Excalibur 330 (or 343 model year 2008 forward). The ZR 6 is a 6.0L and the Excal is a 5.7. Many boarders prefer the ZR, as they add ballast and bring a number along when boarding. The Excalibur still packs plenty of punch, it just depends on what your intentions are for use.

[AbunDiga909]

Last time I checked the ZR6 was 20 lbs lighter than the 330, but that was years ago. You shouldn't have problems with the 330--a lot of dealers order the 220 with that engine. But when you have a boat load of people with ballast also, the ZR6 is definitely a plus. But I agree, not a dealbreaker.

As for reliability, PCM is money. 6 seasons with our ZR6 with almost 700 hrs, literally not a single major problem with the engine.

[Mikeski]

Depends on how much time you intend to drive over 30mph. Less than 25% then get the Excal, more than 50% then get the ZR6, in between it depends on your financial capabilities. As a barefooter I regret not getting the ZR6 for my 211.

[chuey12]

oops. That was embarrassing. i didnt know the zr6 was a pcm engine as well...but nonetheless u all understood what i was asking, and in thank u for all your input. Im no expert wakeboarder so i guess the 5.7 ltr should be just fine, especiallly im not one who like to ride fast.... thanks again.

BTW any1 have a used nice 220 for sale???

[robertsmcfarland]

The biggest reason I like the zr6 is the closed loop system , There is no winterize needed, at lease in Va. Also the heater coils don't rust out because antifreeze runs through it.

[NautiqueJeff]

BTW any1 have a used nice 220 for sale???

I spent some time in this boat last summer that White Lake currently has for sale. It is a great 220.

http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...0-Team-Edition

[dizzyj]

The biggest reason I like the zr6 is the closed loop system , There is no winterize needed, at lease in Va. Also the heater coils don't rust out because antifreeze runs through it.

I didnt think about the heater. Thats nice.

[uwhusky]

I live and boat at high altitude and just bought a new 2007 220. For me the engine was a deal breaker. I would not even consider the 220 unless it had the ZR6 so I held out until I found one.

I'm not sure where you live but if you're at sea level, I'd probably consider the 343. However, I also think you'll be happier in the long run with the ZR6 and you'll have no regrets whereas if you go with the Excalibur, you'll always wonder how much better things would be with the extra ~40HP.

If you're anywhere near northern Utah, I'm aware of a decked out 220TE with the ZR6 for sale. He's asking around $57k.

[Justin1933]

I have the smaller engine in my 211 and run 2000 lbs of ballast with no issue. I have switched out my prop, which made all the difference in the world. I don't barefoot, and ski only a couple times a year, so top speed was not a concern for me.