230...is the 343 ok or should I be looking for the 409?

[buzzardmountain]

Shopping for 2014 model 230. I was looking at boats with the 409...but came across one optioned exactly how I want with the exception of the 409. We are basically at sea level. 60% of the time it's just our family of four. 40% it will be 8-10 people. Most of the time we'll be using stock pro ballast...nothing over stock...for now.

Thoughts on the 343 in the 230???

[Neverenough]

343 is great for most everything. If you weight it heavy for surfing you'll need to re prop. Other than that the 343 is great. You can search threads on here there are probably 50 or so on just your question. Obviously if money were no issue get a 409. Heck were men and big is always better right! I have had both engines and the difference isn't worth the money to me.

[TRO]

if you're going to invest that much money in a 230, go with the bigger engine. once you get to spending 100K on a boat, you should get the bigger one to help re-sale.

[archcityblues]

343 is perfect for you.

[axeman]

Anyone ordering a 230 with the 409 will never see that money back in resale value...

[nyryan2001]

450 is a substantial performance upgrade.... 409 is marginal at best over the 350, only in the higher RPMs.

350 can do 95% of what the 409 can do....throw as 2315 prop on there.... Just understand your top speed will be 37-38mph.

[swankster]

I had the 343 in a 2010 230. The only time I had a problem with not enough power was when I had both the extra 750's sacks in the lockers full and 12 people in the boat. With what you described the 343 is want you need. Axeman and nyryan are spot on, the value and extra power isn't there on the 409. The only thing it may help is a faster resale if someone doesn't do their research. Buxton orders the 343 in their stock 230's and has sold a lot of them to the satisfaction of many customers. That should also be a hint that the 343 is good.

[axeman]

450 is a substantial performance upgrade.... 409 is marginal at best over the 350, only in the higher RPMs.

350 can do 95% of what the 409 can do....throw as 2315 prop on there.... Just understand your top speed will be 37-38mph.

Are you referring to the 1235 here? According to the link below the 2315 is only for the G series boats.

http://www.wakemakers.com/nautique-w...oat-propellers

[shag]

Had a 2009 230 with the 343 and never needed more. I could even BF with it if I wanted. I have driven a 230 with both engines and I found no noticeable difference. Also I am not a fan of closed cooling (just my .02) more things to maintain/break. I did not suffer any on resale when I sold last year either.

[buzzardmountain]

Thanks for the replies!