23" Scepter I/O performance

[pelican]

the multiport engines are definatley the way to go - smooth acceleration,"turn key" starting,alarm systems keep the engine from self destructing...

last volvo repower i did - the distributor had a "left over" 5.7 gxi engine - i got a deal that was hard to beat.
i'm not a fan of replacing "long blocks",or rebuilding what's existing - i use complete "drop in" engines...reason being,you're pulling an engine that's basically worn out - the exhaust system - manifolds and risers,tin ware,pulleys,fuel system parts,electrical parts - these are all old too...transfering these old parts,onto a "rebuilt" block,or,replacing these parts and installing them onto a "rebuilt" block - this all starts to add up,and,in the end,you're got a "rebuilt" block - most of these blocks carry a very limited warranty.purchasing a new,drop in engine,it carry's a mfg's full warranty,it's new,as in new,everything on the engine is new,and,in most cases,it actually works out to be only a few dollars more.the idea of a repower is to "up grade",make the boat perform better than it did previous...
for what it's worth: the multiport injected engines have proven to be very trouble free - i've repowered numerous boats with these engines - no failures on any...

my own potter built -
it was repowered in '01 with a 5.7 merc magnum MPI with the horizon package - bravo drive.that package has proven to be incredibly efficient,and reliable - ZERO problems - cruise speed,with a full load - 150g fuel,loaded to fish offshore for the day - 22-23kts...that rig's been ran and ran hard...

[BigLew]

Thank you, Jim. I take your points very seriously.

MPI vs. Normal aspiration is attractive and is definitely in the mix for a couple of reasons. First, it seems to be easier and quicker starting, not to mention more efficient in general. It also provides more and higher HP options for about the same money. My one real hang up is on-site repairabilty. I have esperienced sudden engine failure in the past and often it has been repairable on the spot. Stuck thottle plate, water acculmulation in the float chamber showing up as you crank up the rpms - out of close range to a dock, etc. MPI does not seem to be the same situation or maybe its just my lack of familiarty with it-NONE!

Your performance numbers are of interest. Clearly there is some expectation of increase on my part. I was thinking that going from 260 to say 330 would put me in the 26-28 rrange on cruise and the higher 30's, say 37-39 wot. Am I being unrealistic? The cruise number is the more important to me overall.

PS

Jim, I totally agree with a new engine; from fuel line to batteries to bell housing! The drive is up for grabs. It is rock solid as it sits and has a stellar history. That said, for the right reasons and the right $$$ it may be in the mix as well.


I'd also like to hear from others on this as well. Say "Entourage", " Water Rat" or someone else runnig a Scepter I/O set up?

I do know one thing. Being up north here and dealing with the local area, i.e. the Merrimac River inlet and a LOT of 2+ ft. chop as I do, I will not be going to an outboard. It is a personal thing and I just like the weight being down low in the bilge.