Ex 343 with closed cooling; or ZR6 (pre closed) in saltwater

[fawellp]

About to confirm order for an 08 206 for use in a saltawater river. (Crigne... there's no freshwater lakes around here so it's either that or no boat!).

1) Other than fuel consumption, initial cost and power, are there any differences that I'll notice between the two set ups, particularly bearing in mind saltwater use?

2) I've seen the recent posts with comments about the zr6 being a gas guzzler. Is anyone able to define this in approximate % terms. To fill the 29 gallon tank here in england costs between £130 to £184 (260 to 370usd depending if you fill up in a garage or at the marina). So cost is a big consideration. Ouch!

[skiinxs]

RE: Ex 343 with closed cooling; or ZR6 (pre closed) in saltw

The ZR6 is NOT a gas guzzler, at least not in a ski boat. If you put it in an overloaded boat and run at full throttle every time you get on plane, then you may use more fuel, can't comment on that use. My 6th ZR6 is on order. I have found my previous 5 to perform flawlessly, use no more gas than the my '02 Excaliber did (maybe a little less pulling traditional 3-event), and give the jumpers a lot of extra grunt. I whole heartily endorse this engine. It is a newer and more advanced design with better heads and variable valve timming. It is also a little bit of a stroker as compared to the 350, which is always good for torque. I really notice the extra grunt in the midrange, right where the strong jumpers need it. Dropping the throttle from a standstill results in around 400 more rpm before the boat starts to move than the 350, both with the same diameter and pitch, although there is a little more cup on the ZR6 prop. Top end rpm on my '02 Excaliber was around 4900 rpm, ZR6 will spin right up to 5300 with more cup in the prop. Absolutely no need for that top end (over 50 mph), but still pretty impresive for a sk boat. Those number are of course with the 375 hp version, stay tuned for comments on the new 390 hp version.
Dave

[fawellp]

RE: Ex 343 with closed cooling; or ZR6 (pre closed) in saltw

Thanks Dave. Very helpful.

Another question. Will the heater be within the closed loop or will it have salt running around it? Just trying to work out if there are any salt related adv/disadv of the ZR6

[skiinxs]

RE: Ex 343 with closed cooling; or ZR6 (pre closed) in saltw

The heater has engine coolant/anti-freeze running through it. No corrosion and one less thing to winterize. The ZR6 is actually really simple to drain. One central plug under the engine drains both manifolds and the heat exchanger. You then only need to drain the transmission cooler and the sea strainer. If you ski late into the fall and drain drain after you use it each time, you can literally do it in five minutes.