31ss with 350 mercs ?


O

orange whip

Member
Looking to buy a 31ss, Does anyone own a 31-33 with 350 mercruisers? Is it enough power, Or does the boat need larger engines? 496's ? I don't want a gas whore, also don't want a boat that can't get out of the hole with 6-8 people onboard.... Any feedback would be great!
 
My 2007 with 6.2 L 320 HP Mercruisers does very well with six people on board and will easily hit 46 mph with a 3/4 tank of fuel plus kit. No complaints about acceleration nor fuel consumption. Sure I would love more speed but I would also like a 370 FX with Ilmor engines pushing me along at over 60 mph.

Power isn't everything, smoothness of handling and economy over distance beats a top end and loads of noise. I doubt bigger engines will give you much more for your money.
 
Belleair302 said:
My 2007 with 6.2 L 320 HP Mercruisers does very well with six people on board and will easily hit 46 mph with a 3/4 tank of fuel plus kit. No complaints about acceleration nor fuel consumption. Sure I would love more speed but I would also like a 370 FX with Ilmor engines pushing me along at over 60 mph.

Power isn't everything, smoothness of handling and economy over distance beats a top end and loads of noise. I doubt bigger engines will give you much more for your money.
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Thanks Belleair302, Is your boat a 31?? Would you say you are 100% happy with the performance of boat getting out of the hole?
 
I have 496’s in a 330SS,boat goes 60 mph.Bigger engines don’t work as hard as smaller ones when you’re cruising at 35 mph.
 
I have no issues and power isn't everything on a smaller boat. Mine is a 2007 310 SS, with just under 460 hrs. So long as the oil is checked frequently, the engines are flushed correctly and they are serviced properly have no worries. Fuel consumption is not an issue nor is performance. Try both and then think with your wallet and not your heart.
 
For that year the 350 mag was base power which Formula dose a good job on not underpowering the boats. Unless higher top end is really important to you, I would not limit my search to just big blocks, I would be more concern with over all care and deal. If a good deal with 350s comes by I would jump on it.
 
A 31 with the 6.2s will be just fine.

I have a 35 with them (350hp), and it hits 50-51 mph WOT.

But WOT happens a few times a season. Even in regular cruising, it's plenty powerful.

What was said earlier is true: Formula doesn't underpower a boat.
 
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