Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

[ml8163]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new Monterey 196ms and I'm torn between the decision to go with the 4.3L TKS or MPI. I will be ordering this boat, not dealer stock. I'm fully aware of the differences between the TKS and MPI, just not sure if the added cost is worth it. Is the additional $2k for the MPI over the TKS worth it? If so, why? If not, why not?

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Both my recent boats had mpi one of which was the 4.3.
Not only get more horsepower but never an issue for me getting it to start right up.
With the boat being new an extra $2k now is well worth it while you own it and go to sell it.

Mark

 

[thumpar]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

I would go with MPI because of power and ease. Do they offer a V8? It is a good sized boat and no one ever said they would like less power.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

AI'd go with the V8 for sure, as long as we're spending your money.

 

[achris]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

3 choices.. MPI, MPI or MPI. Every time!

Better on fuel, more power, easier starts, smoother, more responsive. I've had both in the same boat (1994, 4.3LX and a 2006 MPI) and as good as the carbed engine was, the MPI is an order of magnitude better. And in a 19ft 6 boat, the 4.3MPI is probably the best engine for it. My boat is heavy for its size and with the 4.3MPI is a marriage made in heaven. Acceleration is great, cruise is a breeze at about 3000rpm, and it has plenty of extra in the tank. If you drop the hammer from cruise, it's like someone kicked you in the pants!

But, it is worth the extra coin? Absolutely!

BTW, my boat tops out at just over 43 knots...

Chris.......

 

[ml8163]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Thanks for all the replies. It's odd... The sales guy I'm dealing with says he has been out on boats with both and can't tell a difference. It kind of seems like he's pushing for me to go with the TKS.

 

[ml8163]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

The 4.3 TKS or MPI are you he only options. No V8.

 

[ml8163]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Also, the sales guy gets paid based the number of boats he sells, not the price.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

I think he may be talking about the difference power. The HP difference is not that great on water so not that noticeable. If you ever decide to sell it the MPI is going to be worth more. The 4.3l also has a history of run on. That will not be an issue with the MPI.

 

[ml8163]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

The 4.3l also has a history of run on. That will not be an issue with the MPI.

. What is run on and the history?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Run on is when you shut the key off and the engine still stumbles enough to keep turning. It is also called dieseling. I carb will keep feeding an engine as long as there is vacuum. With MPI is till shut down the fuel supply as soon as the key it turned off. It may effect some 4.3l engines more than others but I have read a lot of posts about the 4.3l doing it.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

I have had three boats. One was a carb and the other two were MPI. I loved me 4.3MPI in my 21 foot Stingray. I would go MPI all of the way. Never have an issue with mixture or starting again.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Its 2K well spent. I wouldn't buy it though, I'd look for a brand with a V-8 in a small bowrider. The 4.3 is more than enough though.

 

[achris]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Its 2K well spent. I wouldn't buy it though, I'd look for a brand with a V-8 in a small bowrider. The 4.3 is more than enough though.

As you say, the 4.3 is plenty enough, so why would you go to a V8? Extra weight, more fuel.... Actually a bad option in a smaller boat.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

As you say, the 4.3 is plenty enough, so why would you go to a V8? Extra weight, more fuel.... Actually a bad option in a smaller boat.

My 21 foot stingray had a 4.3 and did just fine. For 2k I would have gone with the v8. I never had more than 3 or so people on the boat but if I did and was doing water sports it would have been a dog.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Go V8 every time on any 21 foot or larger fiberglass boat HP/Weight/Hull

 

[achris]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

Go V8 every time on any 21 foot or larger fiberglass boat HP/Weight/Hull

But OP has a 19.6', not a 21..... Manufacturer doesn't offer a V8 for a reason!

 

[Walt T]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

No one ever complained of having too much power

 

[gtochris]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

I think it is crazy you can still get a carburetor on something built in 2014!
MPI if you can afford it, the resale will be better too.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Is the cost of MPI over TKS worth it?

I think it is crazy you can still get a carburetor on something built in 2014!
MPI if you can afford it, the resale will be better too.

I think Mercruiser and VP were allowed to build an inventory before the mandatory change went in to affect. They are not making them new anymore just selling what they have stockpiled. I wonder if the paperwork on a new boat with TKS will show the motor as being a different year than the hull.

Oh for the record if the MPI comes with cats that is something you should cosider. I have cats on my boat and no one knows how long they will last, how much they will be to replace or what can go wrong after a few years. They are just too new and no one knows. If its MPI without cats than I would not count that against it.

Try googling Mercruiser cats or any combination similar. You will find nothing about them just some product announcements and reviews talking about how great the emissions are.