G21 Engine Choice...343 v 409

[xrichard]

I test drove a G21 with a 409. Full ballast with three people in the boat, it jumped on plane quickly...perhaps not as quickly as my 210 without ballast, but surprisingly quick. Easily the quickest I've ever gotten on plane in any boat with +/-3000lbs of ballast including a G23 with a 450 (and previous-generation transmission).

Which makes me wonder if the 343 is adequate given the 2:1 transmission and larger prop.

Based on another thread here, I know many think the 343 isn't adequate...and that was my original assumption, too. After driving one with the 409, however, I'm now questioning whether it's necessary. Unfortunately, I don't know of one in this area to test drive.

I can't find torque numbers from PCM...but looking at GM's marine engine site, it appears the standard 5.7l puts out more torque than the 6l until about 3000rpm and then the 6l pulls ahead--but not by significant amounts until 4000rpm. Torque peak on the 5.7l is 3200 rpm and the 6l is 4400 rpm.

Anyone have real-world experience in a G21 with an ex343? Especially if you've also been in one with a zr409?

My typical riding scenario will be full ballast plus a couple of hundred pounds and 2-5 people in the boat plus rider.

[F725]

Our dealership had one this spring. Demoed it with full ballast on a really windy rough day. Didn't seem to struggle at all out of the hole or anywhere else.

[flounder]

I don't have experience with the G21 but I just went through this process for a 2014 San 230. I am no expert on engines but did a lot of homework. I think most people will agree that if you feel the 409 will handle your needs then the 343 will as well. If you don't think the 343 can you need to bypass the 409 and get the 450. Unless you get a very good deal on the boat with the 409 i feel it is not worth the extra money. I surf behind a 230 with a 343 and another with 409 almost weekly. They both are set up identical with factory ballast and 750s in rear and one in the bow. The Rpms are basically identical. I have not done much wake boarding behind either but have done some with no concerns. We typically run with full gas and 3-4 adults with 3-4 kids at about 700ft elevation. I have exact Rpms at certain speeds on the 343 but not 409. If it stays warm maybe I can get them for you. It seems as though there is no difference on the low end and maybe 10% diff on high end. If you like cruising the lake at about 3mph faster then maybe the 409. Lastly as some will point out the largest dealer in the us puts nothing but 343 in the 230. I'm not sure what he does in the g21 though.

[Nordicron]

If it were me buying a new boat no way I'd ever go with a 343 in the g. Spend the extra and atleast get the 409. The G is a big time upgrade luxury boat and in my opinion shouldn't be optioned with the same base engine as the 210. Heck even base engine in the MB and Moomba is now a 400 6.2L raptor motor.

Also in 3 yrs when I'm looking to buy used no way I'm even gonna consider your 343 boat unless it's like $10k cheaper than the 409 or 450 boats out there.

[scottb7]

I agree with above...I would love to save the money. But kind of do feel that when you get a g you gotta get the 409. Probably not needed with new 2:1 drive ratio and bigger propellers, but until more time has passed and more people way in - for the time being - I would only consider a 409. Nothing bigger, nothing smaller.

[xrichard]

Thanks for the replies...I still have a bias toward a 409 even though those who have been in a G21 with the 343 report the 343 works well for my application. Jeff has also told me this and he's had the opportunity to be in the 409 as well. Still, I have difficulty getting past the fact that my 210 w/343 takes a long time getting to speed with 2900lbs of ballast and hydrogate down. I know it's not a good comparison given the new tranny, prop, and NCRS.

I wouldn't rule out a 343 without the opportunity to test it...the problem is I don't have that opportunity. The safe bet is the 409. The 343 carries a small amount of risk in return for saving 5% on the cost of the boat.

What might solve my problem is buying a G23 instead--I'm looking at this option and the final decision point might be whether I can get it in my garage.