CKSNAP

Make sure the throttle is opening all the way. Could be that simple.

https://www.wtvq.com/2019/06/24/ef-1-rated-tornado-caused-significant-damage-at-moors-resort-on-kentucky-lake/ Drone view. Much better video

This is the Moors Resort on Kentucky Lake last Sunday. Luckily no one was hurt. EF1 Tornado.

Mine takes about 10 qts also. Maybe somebody transplanted a pickup engine into your boat.

That's normal.

Don't waste your time drawing a diagram. Everybody has a cell phone with a camera.

Small world. I was Mobil dealer back in the 80s-90s. Remember the oil recall?

Not boat related but interesting to compare. I recently had a medium duty Diesel engine in a truck I own rebuilt. It had over 21,000 hours on it. DT466E Navistar.

Your boat lift doesn't hit potholes at 60 MPH. No need for the extra support.

Your tach should have a rotary switch on the back that changes it from 4 to six and 8 cylinders. With a screwdriver carefully move it around to all three positions several times. Then return it back to original position. This cleans the contacts and may fix your tach problem. Worked for me. Sorry can't help you with fuel sender location.

Your tach should have a rotary switch on the back that changes it from 4 to six and 8 cylinders. With a screwdriver carefully move it around to all three positions several times. Then return it back to original position. This cleans the contacts and may fix your tach problem. Worked for me.

Did you replace the float in the carb when you rebuilt it? Some carb kits don't come with them.

A boat with a Sting Ray or other brand of hydrofoil on the drive is a sure sign of an underpowered vessel.

Race cars are designed to be as light as possible and typically with only one seat. The boats you are considering are similar to pushing your living room with 12 people seated in it through the water. Torque is key not horsepower. And you are right OEMs should spec torque ratings. I have a PDF from GM Marine from 2013 that shows the 5.7 makes 292hp/370ftlb. Mercury uses 10% +/- on engine ratings to get those nice round numbers. I don't have numbers for the 7.4 but the 8.1 Mag (375hp according to Merc) is 392hp/503ftlbs. I would bet the 7.4 300hp is in the 400ft lb range. It is a slug considering its displacement and weight penalty. All that being said, the 7.4's peak torque will be lower in the RPM band than the 5.7 making for a better holeshot and higher cruising speed.

Well I'm late to the party here but I'll throw in my 2 cents. I agree with the consensus here that neither of the boats being considered are a good choice based on price and engine options. I have a 230 and a good friend has a 2330 with a 7.4 Bravo 1. I seriously doubt that the 2330 you're looking at "can do 55+ all day long". 45-50 is more realistic. IMHO the 230 cockpit layout is much better and having MPI vs carb is a no brainer. The first time you would load up that 230 5.0 with a bunch of people you're gonna have buyers remorse at the hit of the throttle. My advice would be to find a clean 230 with a 5.7 Bravo 3 (better yet an 8.1 but they're few and far between) and you'll have no regrets.