2013 Sport 200 engine options, 343 vs 409

[mpc]

mpc,

I little more detailed information. You may get several replies to your inquiry from guys with ski boats running the 1.23:1 transmission ratios, not 1.5:1 V-drive units. The reason why I bring this up is that there is a significant difference when you are comparing these two motors in the different configurations. The stall speed (rpm you motor would spin when floored and the boat "stalled" was pushing against a solid object) of the V-drive is significantly higher than it is for a direct drive. For example the stall speed of my boat is about 3400rpms running the factory team prop. I believe the stall speed for a direct drive is about 2800rpms (needs to be confirmed). The difference in power between these motors is not as recognizable at holeshot when the comparison is made in the direct drive configuration.

Here are some power charts from the GM marine motor website. The PCM tuning raises the peak horsepower rating but I am guessing the shape of the curve is somewhat relative.

Can't seem to get the images resized but here is a link to the website where you can compare the 5.7L based 343 to the L96 based 409: http://gmpowertrain.com/MarineEngine...Portfolio.aspx

You can see the L96 based motor builds power and torque at slightly higher RPMs than the 5.7L motors.

Mikeski, This is much more information than expected - again thank you. 409 is the way to go for me! It is nice to finally see some torque data.

[sodbuster88]

Another plug for 343. Very happy with our set-up...hole shot, power, fuel economy and maintenance are great. I do have a little dissappointment with our top end speed...but realize this is not soley engine related and rarely get up there, so not a priority at the moment.

[Dinsdale]

We've had two Sport 200's, both with the 343. I have also skied behind one with the 409. As far as I can see, the only reason to buy the 409 would be if you're barefooting. Top speed difference is about 3 mph. Our 343's have had more than enough power out of the hole. Tough to justify the price difference and my understanding is it makes very little difference on resale.

[mpc]

We've had two Sport 200's, both with the 343. I have also skied behind one with the 409. As far as I can see, the only reason to buy the 409 would be if you're barefooting. Top speed difference is about 3 mph. Our 343's have had more than enough power out of the hole. Tough to justify the price difference and my understanding is it makes very little difference on resale.

Thank you - great advice!

[MikeC]

I have a question about fuel consumption. I have driven 230s with both the 343 and the 409, the 409 used less fuel per hour than the 343 did (as a matter of fact I was amazed at how little the 409 used). It's a much heavier boat than the 200 so that may be a factor. But I wonder what the fuel burn is on the 200 with each engine considering that, as Mikeski has said, the 409 is based on newer technology.

[mpc]

I would also like see if anyone has "real world" fuel consumption numbers for the 343 and 409. Let's face it when spending this much on a boat fuel consumption does not play a big part in the purchase. It does however create another consideration for engine choice.

[swc5150]

Jody Seal should have great insight on this. If he doesn't pop in, someone could PM him.

[DanielC]

It takes the same amount of power to push the hull through the water with either engine, except for very minor changes due to different engine weights, until you obviously are asking for more than 343 HP.
As you approach WOT, all engines run richer. It stands to reason, the 343 would start to richen the fuel to air ratio at a lower power level than the 409. So, running at the "sweet spot" above where a 343 starts to run richer, but before the 406 does, I would expect better economy out of the 409.

Consider this.
My 1997 Ski Nautique averages about 3 GPH. This year, I paid between $3.67 to $4.27 per gallon, for gas. Call it $4.00 per gallon. That is $12.00 per hour, for gas. Lets say you are out for 2 hours in your boat with a few friends, or your family. Now, how much would it cost to take those people to a movie?

[mpc]

Jody Seal should have great insight on this. If he doesn't pop in, someone could PM him.

Have not heard from Jody Seal so fay, why is it you believe he should have some good info regarding fuel consumption comparisons. Do you know how to reach him?

[Quinner]

Call Jody at his shop, he owns Florida Inboards in Panama City, worked for CC for many years and is a tournament tow boat driver at the pro level. He is a wealth of knowledge all Correct Craft.

[mpc]

Call Jody at his shop, he owns Florida Inboards in Panama City, worked for CC for many years and is a tournament tow boat driver at the pro level. He is a wealth of knowledge all Correct Craft.

Thank you, I will give him a call.

[Sullivan]

343 is my choice, the 6.L is 100 lbs more. All the 200s I have skied behind have the 343 and they have tons of power for skiing and jumping.

[Quinner]

You sure about the 100lbs more? The aluminum (409) vs CI heads (343) should make it lighter, not heavier. Now there is additional components for the closed cooling, but even that may just make it a wash.

[TRBenj]

You sure about the 100lbs more? The aluminum (409) vs CI heads (343) should make it lighter, not heavier. Now there is additional components for the closed cooling, but even that may just make it a wash.

Correct... 409 is a few lbs lighter than the 343.

[Sullivan]

Not according to the GM website that was posted in an earlier post.

343: 432 lb (196 kg)
6.0L: 539 lb (245 kg)
http://gmpowertrain.com/Libraries/Ma...rine.sflb.ashx

http://gmpowertrain.com/Libraries/Ma...rine.sflb.ashx