Opinions on Python motor and SAN with them??

[2thdoc505]

I'm considering buyinga 2001 SAN with a python engine. Besides knowing it is a huge frickin motor with no lack of power, I have no clue on the performance advantages and disadvantages of it? Any opinions and advice (especially if you've owned, own, or board behind one regularly) would be helpful. Also advice on value and desirableness would also help.

[swc5150]

PM Wakeslayer on this topic. He'd be a great resource for all that is Python. Those engines are bad##s!

[TRIP]

Here's another very recent thread about pythons http://planetnautique.com/vb3/showth...2000-Super-Air

[RainDog]

Last year, I bought a 2002 SAN with a Python 8.1 sight unseen with the help of a friend who acted as a buyers' agent. Prior to making the decision, I received a bunch of advise, both pro and con Python.

Con:
Uses oil in mysterious ways, loud, thirsty, heavy, unsophisticated, overly extroverted.

Pros:
All the power you could really want, rare, unique, heavy and loud.

In the end, once I received the boat, I'm really glad I chose my boat. It is louder than a GT40 or other small blocks with a InvertaFlo muffler. But it is not too loud in my opinion. I don't think it is any louder than a classic inboard with dual exhausts. And I like that. My engine didn't use any measurable oil over about 50 hours I ran it last summer. But I think that has more to do with the 8.1L/496 CU stroker engine versus the 8.2L/502 big bore engine. As a 2001, that boat probably will have the 8.2L so watch your oil level (about 1 qt every 50 hours is normal, I believe). It does have a little more shake and my swim platform rattles a little because the pin holes are elongated from fighting back the volume of exhaust over the last 8 years.

None of that bothers me when I nail the hammer and the boat jumps out of the water, not really noticing if I have 6 250LB friends in the boat, 2500 lbs of ballast or my early morning solo 'life is good' rides. Tons of torque, especially with the stroker 8.1L engine.

While I don't have any small block SAN experience to draw from, I don't think the Pythons (or big blocks in general) use that much more fuel, if you stay away from the upper half of your throttle range. WOT will really drain the ol' tank.

That said, I'd never choose a neglected boat with a Python over a perfect boat with a GT40. The GT40 has plenty for almost every circumstance. As far as valuation, they were a $7000 option new, however, I wouldn't put more than a $1500 to $2000 premium on a used boat, everything else being equal.

All opinions but I hope my first hand experience helps.

[WakeSlayer]

Well stated, Raindog!

I really have no more to add except that "These go to 11"

Python POWER !!