502 Magnum EFI

[gatorwt69]

Im looking at a new boat for purchase. It is a 29' Wellcraft Scarab with a 502 MAG EFI motor putting out 415 horse. The boat has a 7 1/2 ft. beam. The boat weighs about 5500 pounds. is this boat underpowered by this motor?

 

[180shabah]

Re: 502 Magnum EFI

WOW! you have just opened up a big can of worms. Most answers will be, yes, a single 415hp engine is underpowered for a 29'er. Ultimately, it depends on what you want out of it. If you like the boat, can get a "good deal" on it, and don't mind guys in smaller v6 powered boats passing you, then go for it.

If you expect your "go fast" to actually go fast, then keep looking.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 502 Magnum EFI

Take it out and drive it. See what it does. Then make a decision.( be sure to bring your hand held GPS with you)

My Liberator is powered by a stock 454 carbed engine. There hasn't been any V-6 boats that have passed me....Mine is weighing about 4000 lbs and it's not particularly fast.


Regards,


Rick

Edit:.....well....I might back-pedal a little...(only a little ) I found several Scarabs....some with twin 200hp outboards that claim 50 max mph.

It might be a little anemic with the 502!!.....(My Lib with a "built right" 502 would probably do 70!)

 

[newport dave]

Re: 502 Magnum EFI

I had a good friend with this same exact boat/engine package. When new it would be 66MPH (GPS). A few years later he had Paul Pfaff built the engine up to almost 600HP. Swapped the Bravo one to Imco Extreme drive. Top speed: still 66MPH!

 

[180shabah]

Re: 502 Magnum EFI

Did the 5500lb weight come from NADA, or from a certified scale? That is very light for a 29' boat, and if it came from nada it is suspect - at best. They list the same weight for that boat with a single BBC or twin SBC's. That math jsut wont work.

Rick gave you the best advice there is. Test it. I think that you are going to find it a little sluggish.

Also, 50mph+ 4.3 powered boats are common and there are a few of the smaller stingrays that break 60mph with a 4.3MPI. Lightly loaded of course, but still pretty fast for a v6.

 

[gatorwt69]

Re: 502 Magnum EFI

Thank you for your feedback. I did get the weight off of NADA. I guess it becomes more of a ballpark weight than actual. The owner claims it will clear 65 mph. We are in New England and it is currently winterized, not available for test ride. The marina said it could be warrantied until spring or "bought under the condition that it runs properly." I have been advised though that with the narrow beam of the boat, it will help with the speed.
Also, I am upgrading from the type of boat that you have discussed. I have a 1991 21' Maxum Bowrider with the 6 in it and it goes 49.

 

[n2ostroker]

Re: 502 Magnum EFI

I think you'd like it. I have a friend that picked up a 29' Velocity with the 502 Mag and it still pulls 70-72 mph on gps with only him and gas. With a few people and small load it will still do upper 60's.
A friends 24' Checkmate will do 65mph gps with a non-mag 454 in it. It's kind of a pig out of the hole but once up on plane it takes off.

I would still do a test drive to see how it does. Take off may be slow but once out of the water boats like that can still have decent top end.