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Agree. Never be cheap with yourself if you can afford it.

Frugal yes, cheap no.

I've got the 2016 with the Volvo 300hp. Plenty of power out of the hole and cruising around the lake. I've had up to 12 adults and had no problem. Speed tops out at around 52 - 55 mph but since the speed limit on the lake is 45 mph the top end is not an issue. Glad I didn't pay the extra $$$ for the 380 hp. I am glad that I got the trim tabs though. The boat sets up so that more people end up on the port side. Tabs make a big difference on a longer run.

Otherwise awesome boat.

winni-dave wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2017 11:55 am Glad I didn't pay the extra $$$ for the 380 hp.

Power and performance is an option that is worth more to some, than others.
But true, a little more power is a lot more expensive.

liquid wrote: Wed May 10, 2017 2:51 pm Agree. Never be cheap with yourself if you can afford it.

Frugal yes, cheap no.

WELL SAID LIQUID!

I have never regretted stretching the budget to get that extra horsepower. I HAVE regretted the times I did not.

Hi from down south Winni. What's your boat?

AsLan7 wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2017 7:48 pm

liquid wrote: Wed May 10, 2017 2:51 pm Agree. Never be cheap with yourself if you can afford it.

Frugal yes, cheap no.

WELL SAID LIQUID!

I have never regretted stretching the budget to get that extra horsepower. I HAVE regretted the times I did not.

When I was searching for my used 242 I test drove a lot of them with the various engines. At the end of the day I settled on the 8.1 Gi or Gxi.

Do I need all that extra horsepower all of the time - No. However, it is nice to have when I need it (pulling skiers, running off the lake due to thunderstorms, heading home after a long day, etc) and like BB, I like the way it sounds. Very impressive cruising at WOT (which I don't do a lot, because it is too fast). Seems to me that when cruising at 3000-3500 RPM the engine is not straining at all, you have the feeling it has plenty left. I also like the way it feels when I running 35 mph and I hit the gas, still presses you back in the seat a little.

"At the end of the day I settled on the 8.1 Gi or Gxi."

Our last boat (262) had that 380HP Gi. What a work horse. Never had ANY issues with that engine. Great choice, driller. (although I still longed for the 420hp GXI)

You guys are harsh

I figure purchases differently than most I guess.
I've always purchased something based on cost of ownership.
I consider "what does it cost me for the time period between purchase and sale".

Just about any option can be added down the road if you want it. Power generally can not. It's also the single most important option at resale.
I wouldn't touch a boat less than 380hp today..

"Just about any option can be added down the road if you want it. Power generally can not. It's also the single most important option at resale.
I wouldn't touch a boat less than 380hp today.."

+1
well said T

I wish Tuscany you got to drive the 380 and now that you have the 430 what you really would have to share on it. For me having both 8.1gi and 8.1gxi it's no comparison what a beast. But if I had the gi I would put a set of f6 or f7 props on it to see what it would do. It's amazing how props will change everything. The gear ratios were the same. The bad is you might hit the rev limiter.
The great thing about a bb is who cares how many people or how much gas you have its always the same. It just jumps on plane. That honestly is worth more than top end.

"That honestly is worth more than top end."



Until that 14 year old on the jet ski passes you.

Those things are just rockets I don't even try. Lol I will Run his ass over though. My youngest son gets mad at them now because they keep messing up his calm water during his wake board session.lol

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2017 2:22 pm Those things are just rockets I don't even try. Lol I will Run his ass over though. My youngest son gets mad at them now because they keep messing up his calm water during his wake board session.lol

You're right about that BBP. It is THE number one thing we watch out for now on the lake as those things turn on a dime and will turn right in front of you. Glad kids have to at least have a boating license to ride one here in PA. The police & Coast Guard are strict about checking and monitoring those "mosquitoes on the lake".

My brother and I grew up on the GTX models which are still my favorite. Such a flat wake for skiing too. Every time I ride his now I finish by saying..."I gotta get myself one of these!" Man are they fun.

Yep I had them too. Yes anything we drive from when your 12 years old and up to like 25 you have to go through a safety course.

FWIW...the 3 agents I had looking for my next boat had a list of options which were mandatory. THE number one option for me that was NOT negotiable was the max Volvo or Merc (other than the 525EFI racing engine) option. If the boat did not have it, I was not interested.

Funny how we all are different. Certainly no right or wrongs here. All depends on your boating style and desires. That's why I love this country!