357 Magnum 4V vs 383 Magnum 4V

[fio2083]

Hello! I need to repower a 24' Stamas hardtop cuddy cabin currently powered by an ancient 215E. I am looking at the 357 Magnum 4V (325 hp) vs the 383 Magnum 4V (350 hp) with a Bravo drive. There is an approximate $1500.00 difference in price between the two engines. Will the 383 offer enough of a performance difference to justify the extra money? Also, the 215 swings a huge 19" prop which does make docking, reversing and planing very easy. Should I (can I) go with a Bravo 2 drive and if so what gear ratio would be compatible? Btw, the hull is rated for 325 hp and is in great shape. It's also been passed down from generation to generation so I'm into the hull for the long term.
Thanks in advance for any help and opinions!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 357 Magnum 4V vs 383 Magnum 4V

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...

The 357 is an overbored rebuilt 350....
The 383 is overbored, 'n Stroked...More power, More torque...

Well worth the $1500. in that app. in my mind...

 

[fio2083]

Re: 357 Magnum 4V vs 383 Magnum 4V

Thanks Bond-o. I was leaning that way but I was looking for a second opinion before I took the plunge.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 357 Magnum 4V vs 383 Magnum 4V

I agree with Bond-o the 383 is the better motor.

The Bravo 2 drive does allow the use of a very larger diamter prop. The most common gear ratio is 2.0 to 1. You should be able to use that and get a prop in the correct pitch. One downside, though. Bravo 2 props are expensive. Over $500 new for aluminum. So expirementing with props is gonna get expensive. Somewhere there is a propslip calculator. I think on Mercury Marine's website. You could input some info about your boat and engine, adn it may help you figure out the gear ratio needed. I'd hate for you to listen to just me, get a 2.0 to 1, and then need something stupid like a 25 pitch prop, and have it very hard ($$$) to find.

 

[fio2083]

Re: 357 Magnum 4V vs 383 Magnum 4V

Thanks for the reply! I'm ordering the engine and transom online because no dealer in the metro New Orleans area sells mercruiser packages, only Mercruiser equipped boats. Thanks for the tip about the props, I'm gonna do a little more research with the propslip calculator before I buy the drive. I'll keep you all informed as I put it together. Btw, I love this forum! Very informative!