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Just placed order for CS23 with Mercury V8 300 option. Now wondering if the $6K upgrade to the 350HP is worth it?

Any opinions on engine HP for the CS23? What would you notice different between the two? Here are my specs:

Boot Stripe: White
Hull Bottom: Knockout Red
Hull Side: White
Platform: White
Canvas Color: Knockout Red
Cockpit Interior: Titanium

Mercruiser 6.2 L MPI ECT-300 B3 DTS

Mooring Cover
Prem Sound System w/Arch Spkrs-1
Speaker Covers, Arch (Premium Sound)
White Arch, Alum, Folding w/Bimini
COBALT Oval Logo, Recessed
Fender Clips w/Line (4)
Flagpole w/Flag
Sof-Trac Mat, Swim Platform
Transom Tilt Switch
Bow Center Cushion Insert
LED Interior Accent Lighting (RGB)
Sof-Trac Mat, Cockpit
Battery Switch, Dual w/ACR (required)
Hull Bottom Full Color
Active Trim
Underwater Lighting

Thanks!

Just go straight to the 380HP its only 16K more.*

Like my friend always tells me "god hates a coward"

*The top comment was inspired by BBP

I will have to add that the 380HP VP is the same direct injected aluminum blocked 6.2L engine as the Camaro. I went with the VP 5.3L 300hp direct injected engine for the same fuel efficiency increase I seen when I updated pickups, it also will have weight advantage I hope to see when I trim out.

No it's not worth it. Sorry. I wish they still offered the 240 in this series. I heard smaller is better. There's a saying out there that goes I wish I had a smaller engine.


So is 6k worth it. Well that depends on you and how you will be using the boat. To me the $16k for a 380 is worth it. Some think the extra size is all about speed. That's 1 small benefit. It's all about the total functionality of the boat when loaded as well. The 300 is a great engine. You will be happy with that choice. I have always said get the largest you can afford. You won't have regrets in the back of your mind.

Big Block Power wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 2:55 pm No it's not worth it. Sorry. I wish they still offered the 240 in this series. I heard smaller is better. There's a saying out there that goes I wish I had a smaller engine.


So is 6k worth it. Well that depends on you and how you will be using the boat. To me the $16k for a 380 is worth it. Some think the extra size is all about speed. That's 1 small benefit. It's all about the total functionality of the boat when loaded as well. The 300 is a great engine. You will be happy with that choice. I have always said get the largest you can afford. You won't have regrets in the back of your mind.

A 240 is standard if you choose VP..

I would also like to add that the 380HP is now almost $17K jump from the 300HP engines not the base VP240 or Merc 250, that difference is roughly $23K.

dustinm wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 3:36 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 2:55 pm No it's not worth it. Sorry. I wish they still offered the 240 in this series. I heard smaller is better. There's a saying out there that goes I wish I had a smaller engine.


So is 6k worth it. Well that depends on you and how you will be using the boat. To me the $16k for a 380 is worth it. Some think the extra size is all about speed. That's 1 small benefit. It's all about the total functionality of the boat when loaded as well. The 300 is a great engine. You will be happy with that choice. I have always said get the largest you can afford. You won't have regrets in the back of your mind.

A 240 is standard if you choose VP..

I would also like to add that the 380HP is now almost $17K jump from the 300HP engines not the base VP240 or Merc 250, that difference is roughly $23K.

Minor. Lol

LOL. Between the sarcasm, humor and 380HP engine comments (not offered on the CS23), I am defiantly more confused.

I think reading between the lines, get the bigger engine (350) if you can afford it, and you won't regret it. Right?!

tedconverse wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 6:46 pm LOL. Between the sarcasm, humor and 380HP engine comments (not offered on the CS23), I am defiantly more confused.

I think reading between the lines, get the bigger engine (350) if you can afford it, and you won't regret it. Right?!

Yes dead on! Go Merc!

tedconverse wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 6:46 pm LOL. Between the sarcasm, humor and 380HP engine comments (not offered on the CS23), I am defiantly more confused.

I think reading between the lines, get the bigger engine (350) if you can afford it, and you won't regret it. Right?!

On the contrary but only on the golden line of engines.

Get the 380. Have it in my r7. Fantastic motor

dustinm wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:51 pm

tedconverse wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 6:46 pm LOL. Between the sarcasm, humor and 380HP engine comments (not offered on the CS23), I am defiantly more confused.

I think reading between the lines, get the bigger engine (350) if you can afford it, and you won't regret it. Right?!

On the contrary but only on the golden line of engines.Screenshot (2).png

Thanks for the back up. I thought they had that. So why not the 430? What's wrong with them. Nothing ran diff to rig up except a computer. Honestly I don't know why they offer 240hp in a 23ft boat. Cost I get it. But really!

tgrace98 wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:30 pm Get the 380. Have it in my r7. Fantastic motor

Do It!

In my opinion, the 300 will work well with the CS23. Not sure the extra 50 ponies would make a huge difference. If there’s a contingency of +$6k in the budget, consider stepping up to an R3. To me, that would be money well spent. Again, I think the 300 will work well with the R3. Of course, picking the R3 gives you the option of adding the 430 as well, but that would probably be a budget buster.

Luv2HuntAR wrote: Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:52 am In my opinion, the 300 will work well with the CS23. Not sure the extra 50 ponies would make a huge difference. If there’s a contingency of +$6k in the budget, consider stepping up to an R3. To me, that would be money well spent. Again, I think the 300 will work well with the R3. Of course, picking the R3 gives you the option of adding the 430 as well, but that would probably be a budget buster.

After the dealer discount it's only like $5999.99 so that's even a better deal. So let's do it!

So if you want to go 2-3 mph faster on the top end get the 350. Otherwise the 300 will be more than adequate. Along with BBP and others, I can't believe they even offer a 240 in that boat. I looked at a Sea-Ray 230lx and was floored that standard power was a 250 V6 on an almost 5000 lb boat!