Looking at this Mark Twain - Isn't she underpowered?

[ONEGA]

Hi folks,
Wasn't sure where to post so feel free to move...
Been looking for a boat within 22-24 foot range and came across this one:
'80 22.5' Mark Twain Cabin Cruiser powered with Merc. 3.7L (470 I guess) with closed cooling system.
I always thought that a boat of this size should have a bigger engine...
The main boating place for me would be Raritan Bay down to Sandy Hook in NJ.
Your thoughts on the setup and the boat itself will be appreciated.
O.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking at this Mark Twain - Isn't she underpowered?

Walk away..........at a very fast pace.

While the 470 series "was" a good motor it had MANY problems which led to it's demise.

Shop for a Volvo Penta or newer Mercruiser........ no 470 series and no OMC

With those few lines I just saved you a bunch of money and aggravation

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Looking at this Mark Twain - Isn't she underpowered?

And yes. It would have been underpowered.

 

[QC]

Re: Looking at this Mark Twain - Isn't she underpowered?

I am going to add my standard OMC/470 disclaimer. There are many owners here who love their OMC's and Merc 470s. The comments above are not intended to discourage those who already own them. If well maintained, and well understood, they can be great. But when searching for used boats there are many other Merc and Volvo products out there, with good parts support, and even better knowledge, that you should simply shoot for those. I think I'd narrow it even further and say "GM based, Merc or Volvo", and I'd add TR drives (Merc) to the no list. Good hunting

 

[ONEGA]

Re: Looking at this Mark Twain - Isn't she underpowered?

Thanks for advise, will stay away.
O.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Looking at this Mark Twain - Isn't she underpowered?

My cousins just purchased a Mark Twain 22.5 with a 305 mercruiser. They have not been able to open her up yet, but I think a 470 would be a bit sluggish, based on the boats size.