Gas Engines 310Hp 330hp 350hp 380hp for 396/406

A

antiqua

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Feb 28, 2007
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25356
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Which HP would best be suited for a Carver 396 or 406?
OR should I go Diesel?

I see many 396 and 406 with 310 is that enough HP to cruise efficiently?

Which is better Volvo, Crusaders. Mercruiser?

I seem to see alot of 396/406 which have their engines replaced. Specifically Mercruiser.

Would you be leary of buying one that was replaced?
 
on the 396, if you want to stay with gas, get something new enough to have 8.1 liter engines (375 to 380 hp). With the 406, I would recommend defiantely diesels, that boat is quite a bit larger and heavier than the 396. As far as brand...they're all GM engines underneath, however Volvo and Crusader make their add ons a little more owner maintainable...such as impellers, oil filters, etc...
 
I would say diesels if you do not mind the upcharge. There is a difference in price. You will get better fuel efficiency with the diesels.
 
What type of cruising do you do? It will take a LONG time to make up the difference in intial price by fuel economy.

RamSport is correct.
 
I would not care what size the boat is. Any thing 20 000 lbs and over should be diesel only. Yes the initial cost is higher but its also worth more when you sell. I have the only Carver 370 MY in the Great lakes area, that is Diesel powered. And bought it from down south for just that reason. The Gas versions came with 454 crusaders.They scream at 3500 rpm to cruise at 16-17 mph. My Cummins 6BTA5.9 300 hp diesels max at 2800 rpm and cruise at 2300 rpm at 21 mph all day long. If you run a gas like that prepare for a rebuild any where around 700 hours or so. I have 1700 hours on my diesels and they are barely broken in. Just my opition. take Care
 
It irritates me that desiels are so much more.. They are freaking motors
 
With diesels, you can get into a larger boat, bigger beam and still come close to the same burn rate as gas. It was proven to me this past year. It's all about torque.

I guess it comes to $ and cents. What do you want, and how long do you plan to keep it. Diesels should hold their value.
 
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