Diff. between a 96 and 97 Sunsetter

[SBR]

Got a question for you guys. Are there any major diff. between a 96 and 97 Sunsetter? From what I have been able to find is that the 96 doesn't seem to have the Wedge and the dash and gauges are a little diff. Same hull though right? Also, is there a noticable diff. in driving the boat between the Mercruiser 285 carb motor and the 320 Monsoon fuel inj. motor? Is the Mercruiser motor a good motor? I know that the Monsoon gets good reviews, but haven't heard much about the Mercruiser. Outside of the Wedge, is there anything that would sway you to try and buy a 97 over a 96 if they both pretty much were equal boats(hrs,condition etc)? Thanks for the input

[areamike]

Got a question for you guys. Are there any major diff. between a 96 and 97 Sunsetter? From what I have been able to find is that the 96 doesn't seem to have the Wedge and the dash and gauges are a little diff. Same hull though right? Also, is there a noticable diff. in driving the boat between the Mercruiser 285 carb motor and the 320 Monsoon fuel inj. motor? Is the Mercruiser motor a good motor? I know that the Monsoon gets good reviews, but haven't heard much about the Mercruiser. Outside of the Wedge, is there anything that would sway you to try and buy a 97 over a 96 if they both pretty much were equal boats(hrs,condition etc)? Thanks for the input

same hulls - Yes

I would go with the '97 if it has the wedge and the '96 does not. Other than that, it's a toss up. Mercruiser is a decent engine. I have not heard anything bad about them.

[bretski75]

I have a Merc and knock on wood, 13 years and going strong without issues. I wouldn't hesitate, especially if you don't have an indmar shop near you.

I have the Black scorpion though. You will notice a difference in power between a carbed Merc and the Monsoon.

[wakeboy]

I had a Merc in the past and it never had a problem.

[k_b_stephens]

Mercs are good engines, I've had 2 boats with them and no probs.

[martinarcher]

Mercs are good engines, I've had 2 boats with them and no probs.

Right on. I love our Merc.

[Malibudude]

Hands down the '97. The options are better and the monsoon being FI you'll appreciate the extra HP. I've skied behind two echelon's one w/ the Merc and the other the monsoon. I find that the 265hp Merc just can't hold the speed as good as the monsoon and the whole shot is no comparision. Not to say the Merc isn't a good engine, just in this case it's weaker and carbed.. IIRC the only diff was the 1gal larger gas tank in the '97.

[nevertwobig]

I have a 97 with the 320 efi monsoon, awesome power. I've had carbed motors before and I will only go with fuel injection from now on, especially with the ethanol fuel we have now.