New GS24 Engine Choice: ZR4 vs. H6

[KevDog]

Just signed the papers for my new GS24, to be delivered next spring just in time for my 50th birthday. Still have time to modify my order, and have been back and forth on the engine choice. We are in the northeast, at or near sea level. Dealer (who i trust) tells me they order all their stock boats with the ZR4 and the H6 is overkill. But...I still feel like it's an awfully big boat, and I will have many occasions where I'm loading it up with people. We do everything - surf, board, ski, tube. I don't want to spend the extra $10k, but I also don't want a pricey boat that is under powered. Thoughts?

[GMLIII]

Go with the H6

[jharris]

If you are questioning it and can swing it go with the H6. Never in my life have I heard a person say, I wish I had a smaller engine. The only day you will ever question your decision to upgrade is the day you write the check.


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[Evening Shade]

If you are questioning it and can swing it go with the H6. Never in my life have I heard a person say, I wish I had a smaller engine. The only day you will ever question your decision to upgrade is the day you write the check.


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I agree with this statement and I have the ZR4 in my GS20. It's a great engine and is plenty for my GS20 but it seems pretty thirsty to me. With the H6 you get more HP and probably better fuel economy due to it being a DI engine compared to the ZR4.

Not that fuel economy is a huge concern to people buying watersports boats that cost well over $100k, but my boat only has a 40 gallon fuel tank and I feel like I'm constantly adding fuel. Almost every time we go out I'm wheeling 3 6 gallon gas cans down to the dock.

I miss the 55 gallon fuel tank in my Malibu.

[Infinity]

I hear the ZR4 and ZR409 are similar...I have the ZR409 in my 24ft boat. 5k lbs of ballast and never had a power issue with my surf prop. My boat averages LESS than 5 GPH on fuel while surfing with full ballast at 3400rpm...that seems pretty good to me. I have a 72 gallon tank. I imagine with a 40gal, Evening Shade would be filling it up often, but have you checked it against hour usage to see what your burn rate is? At 5gal per hour, that gives you an 8hr day from full to empty....so yes, every 6hrs you would need to fill it.
That said, I agree that if you can swing the H6, go for it. Better resale and more power

[vanhanbr]

H6 for the following reasons:

1) Engine is newer design with better torque and fuel economy.
2) You mentioned skiing, so you don't really have the option to prop down for surfing as it will affect your top end speed.