250 or 300hp ?

[mark241]

I am looking to spec up an 8.5 rib with a four stroke outboard and probably Suzuki engine. Does anynody have any experience they wish to share (either good or not so) of the new lean burn 300hp Suzy ? I am reasonably sure the 250 is a safe bet but would welcome any thoughts on the extra 50 horses, suzy 300 reliability generally, the additional running costs etc. etc. Likewise if not a Suzy, wot about a 300 Yam - any thoughts on that. I currently use a 6.6m with a DF200.
Cheers and thanks in advance.

[black mafia]

I run a suzuki 300 and have 586hrs of trouble free running they are bullet proof smooth and dont worry about fuel its only thirsty if you thrash it, could not recommend it enough.

Gary

[Ribliam]

My last RIB was a Ribcraft 6.8 offshore with a 250hp 4 stroke
Plenty poke in the 250 for that size boat which meant that you always had power in reserve, but if I was going with an 8.5mt. RIB I would definitely go for the 300hp and from my experience would be happy to stay with Suzuki. Another thing you should consider when selecting an engine should be local service.

[Bigmuz7]

The last 8.5 I had, I specced with a 275 Verado and it went like shit off a shovel .. digital throttle and shift was a dream to operate .. the engine is eerily quiet but the power is something to behold .. at mid revs, when you throttled up.. you got pushed back in your seat

Dont know about long term ownership .. only had it 2-3 years from new