2008 vs 2012

Hi all. I'm looking to get a 15HP Merc. I have a chance at a 2008 4 stroke. I'm looking at the spec sheet and it says 323cc. The 2012 is 351cc. In reality, would I notice a big difference in them? Thanks.

Re: 2008 vs 2012

Topshelf12 said:

Hi all. I'm looking to get a 15HP Merc. I have a chance at a 2008 4 stroke. I'm looking at the spec sheet and it says 323cc. The 2012 is 351cc. In reality, would I notice a big difference in them? Thanks.

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It is a recognized fact in engine technology circles that "size matters". Cubes are king. When the going gets tough the more the merrier.

Case in point. Years ago, 1994 Mariner sales brochure to be exact, in the 150 hp lineup is offered one in 1998 CC and Magnum and Magnum EFI versions in 2500 CC.

What happened was that bass boats, which ran a lot of that HP engines, were having a hard time with their "hole shot" since they had high deadrise transoms with pads (didn't get on plane all that easily as compared to a flat transom), had engine setback putting it deep in the water (lots of drag), and several hundred pounds of live well, batteries, and fuel right in front of the engine. Upping the cubes helped to solve that problem along with 4 or 5 bladed props.

How many small block V8 dragsters do you see?

HTH,
Mark

Re: 2008 vs 2012

Well Mark, I'm new here. Risking to offend someone with over 7000 posts, I will ask, Would I notice a big difference in the two?

Re: 2008 vs 2012

A difference you would notice from a 28 cc difference? Unlikely.

Re: 2008 vs 2012

for the difference in price(?)... definitely not, especially not a "big" difference as you asked.

Re: 2008 vs 2012

Topshelf12 said:

Well Mark, I'm new here. Risking to offend someone with over 7000 posts, I will ask, Would I notice a big difference in the two?

Click to expand...

Faster hole shot; easier to hold a cruise speed close to planing speed; ability to maintain performance numbers with a heavier load.

Back in the '50's when the Johnnyrudes had a rounded cowling, many times you'd see a bay fishing rig, 16', wide beam, high sides, foredeck, windshield, 2ea 6 gallon gas tanks, cooler chest (full of beer, grin) and tackle with 2 guys blasting across the bay with a palsy 25 hp engine. But what wasn't seen was the cu in displacement. Don't remember exactly but it was significantly more than 1 hp/cu in.

Mark

Re: 2008 vs 2012

You will notice the difference in your bank balance a lot more than on the water performance.