Help in my Decision

[Dmulcay]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on my first Natique. Long over due I might add. I have a question for anyone in the know, how much value both in a monetary sense and performance in the PCM 375HP engine. I have narrowed it down to two SV-211's one has the PCM 330 and the other the PCM 375. I need some feedback on the PCM 375, is it that much of an uprgade? I will be pulling folks wakeboarding, skiing, etc, will I need the HP. What is the engines history as far as problems are concerned. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance- DM

[Quinner]

When ordering new the ZR6 (375) was several thousand dollars additional over the Excalibur (330), around 3-5k iirc. Not sure where that would fall in the used market, maybe a grand or two??
ZR is closed cooling standard. I have read both will hole shot about the same while the higher HP makes more power at the higher RPM's.
One advantage of the higher HP would be if you wanted to barefoot with the 211 or planned on cruising longer distances at or near WOT.

[HS]

I had the 375 hp ZR 6 in my 2007 SV 211 and it had no problems. That was with an ACME 645 prop. I undertand the hole shot is the same as the 330, it just has a higher top end, as stated by Quinner. If you need closed water cooling due to brackish water that's the way to go, or if you need higher top end speed as well. Also, the hole shot can be improved by changing a prop, so, the 330 is still plenty, IMO.

On resale, one opinion could be that the upgrade (or "value") is just a sunk cost and doesn't necessarily translate into a need for every consumer; i.e., either engine will satisfy most owners, unless your particualr needs are greater (barefoot speed, salt water, etc.).

What's the price differential between the two you are considering, as well as overall condition, etc.? I would be more inclined to focus on the boat's overall condition and maintenance history, as well as other options, rather than the engine alone. Just my two cents!

[swc5150]

Both engines are great. I agree with HS that the original owner's cash is somewhat sunk, as it all depends on the needs of the new owner. I know when I bought my '08, I could've purchased a different 6.0 equipped boat for no difference in price. In the 211, the additional power would be nice, plus heaters work better with fresh water cooling. If your boat will see any salt water, it's a no-brainer, unless you find a fresh water cooled Excal (very rare however).

[Dmulcay]

It won't see any saltwater. One boat is in Orlando it has PCM 330, trailer, cover, bimini top and looks to be in good shape with only 240hours. The other boat is very near my house in Buford, GA but does not come with a trailer, bimini top, or cover and it is 2grand higher in price, hence why i asked about the 375 HP engine. The boat in Orlando looks to be the better deal if it is in good shape, but i have not put my eyeballs on it yet.

Tough decision for me, but i am thinking the Orlando boat is the way to go.

[Dmulcay]

Quinner i checked out your boat, very nice by the way. I appreciate all you y'alls comments, they have helped.

[HS]

if it checks out. The way it sounds, the ZR 6 is 2 grand more plus [trailer (1,500 ? if you an find one used that fits)] plus [bimini 800] plus [cover 500 and up] = 4,800 more (to be an apples to apples comparison?)

[Dmulcay]

that's what i had figured. i am not going to be doing any barefoot skiing, used too, so i am not sure that the ZR6 engine is worth not getting a cover, top and trailer. The guy that owns the Orlando boat is the original owner as well. All +'s IMO.

[swc5150]

You could probably have a PN member in Orlando go look at it, and give you the honest scoop? That boat sounds more like what you want, but just doesn't happen to be close by.

[98motorsport3]

I would go with the boat in orlando if both boats are in same condition etc. The difference in hp as stated by the others is negated by a prop change as far as hole shot and mid range. So IMO I'd rather have the trailer, bimini, and cover. Also while there haven't been many reported issues w/the zr6, I'd rather have non closed cooling. Plus you can do what my wife and I did and do a mini vacation to pick up your new boat!

[AirTool]

the 343 (5.7L) should be cheaper and easier to work on.

I don't think I ever want a pressurized cooling system on a boat unless I absolutely have to.

A new trailer is 4500 smackers.

I drove from Katy TX to Lake Wales FLA to pick up my dream 343. 1050 miles each way.

[coulseyd]

One other thing I learned while shopping for my 2004 SANTE a couple years back is that the ZR6 is harder to work on and therefore higher maint costs. This was actually a comment from the local Nautique dealer that knew both boats. He actually steered me towards the higher hour Excalibur for what it's worth.

[faith7]

I have ran both..330 does it all with less gas...ZR6 has more power and uses more gas..as for me the 330 is all I need and if you get the 330 you will not know the difference

[cham]

What boat are you looking at in Orlando? Private seller?

[SkiTower]

I have a 275 hp (yeah, the small one) and it does everything I need it to, except a little bit of a lag getting me (300 lbs) up on slalom. I don't have tanks, though. So the bump to 330 should be plenty and as others have said I'd rather get the trailer, cover, and bimini. And I also like the idea of a mini-vacation down to Orlando to pick it up, as well as a factory tour if you can squeeze it in.