Carb vs. Fuel Injection

[goemado]

Hello. New member here and to boating. Question for the experts. My wife and I are looking at 2 different 27' sea rays. Both have 7.4L Mercruisers and Bravo 3 O/D's. However, one has a 4 barreled carb and the other is an MPI. The carbureted boat is local and the MPI is 9 hours away. Both are about the same price. <br /><br />In talking with some boating friends, I've heard that the carbureted boat is sometimes more difficult to start and doesn't get the same fuel efficiency as a fuel injected engine would. Is there any reasons not to buy the carbureted engine versus the MPI? Any potential problems I should be aware of? The engine is a 1995 with about 430 hours on it. It would be much simpler for us as it is in town. <br /><br />Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[tommays]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

they both have there good and bad points <br /><br />there is no question the EFI will start easery and run better BUT it is a 10 year old EFI system<br /><br />the carb will run well also if it recives proper care<br /><br />the BIG question is how good the service is in your area<br /><br />tommays

 

[goemado]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

I'm assuming the service to be pretty good - Holland / Grand Haven Michigan area is a pretty big boating area.

 

[imported_scott_m]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

And if you are mechanically inclined, most everything on the carb'd boat is a DIY. Much more difficult to DIY on the EFI boat. Plus, I can't really see that huge of a difference in fuel savings - big blocks are thirsty beasts.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

I would go with the carbed one, you will be able to work on it yourself......I can't see there being a huge difference in fuel consumption........JK

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

The carb system would likely be cheaper to repair if the need be. Whoops, when the need be...

 

[Lou C]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

Go carbed, you will learn how to start it just like a lawnmower or a weedwacker.<br />I would not want to have an older FI system because at some point parts availablity and mechanix that know the system can be a problem.<br />Just about every marine mechanic that works on inboards and I/Os knows their way around a carb though. <br />Usually 3 pumps of the throttle, set it at 1/4 open crank it over and it should start, may stall a time or two but you will get the hang of it. <br />Last thing you want is any system with parts that may become unavailable or pricey. I have no problem with FI in cars, but people tend to run boats longer so things can happen over that many years.

 

[Dreamer1Q]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

DIY EFI isnt that hard, as long as the software is out there for them. I personally dynotune my own car, and its not that bad, IF you know what your looking at. I am actually looking at converting my boat to a EFI setup for ease of use. EFI in my opinion is more effecient and easier to use. But I would recommend learning how to repair it yourself, its ALOT cheaper <br /><br />BTW...I am in Grand Rapids, maybe I will see you out at Hanky Panky

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Carb vs. Fuel Injection

The way to great gas mileage in a boat is to let your best friend buy it. ...go carb..closer and will last longer than the motor