Engine for 2016 230 SAN

[laynewest]

Just joined and looking at purchasing my first Nautique. My family has owned 196's since I was a little kid. Love the boats and the brand. Long time post reader here. I currently own a Bryant and would like to upgrade to a 230 SAN. Would have originally, but budget wasn't there.Have zeroed on the 230 for price and the ability to put on my 6000# lift. My biggest question is what engine to put into the boat? I see that most available inventory has 343 engine and I am worried that this could be under powered. I am not a big wake-boarder, but love wake-surfing. That would be the biggest use of the boat and also towing a tube or slalom skiing every once in awhile. Looking for feedback and anything thoughts.

[Beg4wake]

The new H5 should be plenty for your needs. I would imagine that the H6 would only be necessary if you planned on wakeboarding with a lot of extra weight. But because of the slower speeds for wakesurfing, you wouldn't really need the extra motor. If anything, you could probably just re-prop it to get more holeshot if you think you need it afterwards. Granted, you definitely will NOT be disappointed in getting the H6 motor! More power and pretty much just as efficient! Just about an extra $7k for the option.

[OKWAKEBDR]

Down here at sea level, the 343 is plenty. With the right prop, it can take a lot of weight, you just won't be able to go 40 mph anymore.

[laynewest]

Thanks - My thoughts are between the H5 and the EX343. I know the 343 is a workhorse and strong engine, just seem with multi point injection with the H5 might be worth the extra $$. Also,I don't know where the torque compares between the two? The H5 is 405 and the EX343 is not listed.

[Beg4wake]

Thanks - My thoughts are between the H5 and the EX343. I know the 343 is a workhorse and strong engine, just seem with multi point injection with the H5 might be worth the extra $$. Also,I don't know where the torque compares between the two? The H5 is 405 and the EX343 is not listed.

This is definitely a question for Jeff!

[Beg4wake]

Here..... go to this thread!!!

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...-excalibur-343The H5 is a great engine! I have been in a G21 with that engine, and it is even better than a 409 while using way less fuel.

The H6 in my current G23 uses so much less fuel than my 6.0L 450 did last year!

The EX-343 is 343 HP / 370 lb-ft Torque
The ZR-409 is 409 HP / 400 lb-ft Torque
The ZR-450 is 450 HP / 425 (estimated) lb-ft Torque
The H5 is 355 HP / 405 lb-ft Torque
The H6 is 450 HP / 465 lb-ft Torque
The XR7/XS7 is 550 HP / 545 lb-ft Torque

Torque is key, much more than HP in our applications"

- Straight from Jeffs mouth (well, fingertips I guess)!

[laynewest]

Thanks for the link. That helps a ton.

[Beg4wake]

Thanks for the link. That helps a ton.

No prob Bob! Oh and as a side note....the H5 comes with the easy "no-tool" winterization plugs which makes winterizing your boat a breeze!!

[Guntersville230]

Have a 2015 230 with the 343, seems to be working great! You will love the boat, great size for the family while not being super large to store/haul (G-boats)....I do believe the G-series is king, but the 230 is a great boat and I'm happy with the purchase!

[nautiques4life]

Mines a 12... 343, from what you described I think a 343 would be fine. Under normal conditions and even heavily weighted for wake surfing I've never once felt underpowered. That being said I regret not having the 409... But only because we ride with almost 3000 additional ballast wakeboarding- even then its fine most of the time... I only notice it powering through or out of tight turns. What you're asking it to do won't be a problem. One other consideration is resale... As you said the market has lots of 343's, not sure what that means for $, might make one with a bigger engine easier to sell on the back end?

[laynewest]

Thanks for the insight everyone. Helps a lot.