232 Performance

[MustangTyler02]

I have a 96 232 CC with the 7.4 (454) and Bravo III. No trim tabs, no exhaust (underwater ie no captain's choice) Boat has original motor and lower unit. It performs outstanding as is. Planes out exceptionally fast, easy to trim, and can run 60mph with half tank and a couple of people on board. In rough water all out is a bit abusive though and can be a bit squirrely. It cruises VERY nicely at anywhere from 33-45 or so depending on water roughness at a hair over 3000 RPMS. I looked at a few 350's with the Bravo III when I was buying, but am so happy I opted for the 454. Bravo III was a must for me can't praise it enough!!

[Gene]

Here, Here. I couldnt agree more! My 97 performs just as Tylers. Just a tad over 260 hours of weekend use.

[Johnzapp]

300 hour 7.4 w B3 and we are very happy with the boat.... no trim tabs and cap's choice.  best I have seen is 54.8 GPS and around 58 on the speedo.  I think this is an excellent boat and glad we found it.  I would opt for some 12X12's as the company suggests.  not sure if I want to or not.... The only complaint is the darn seats are way too close to the steering wheel!  Any good place for some nice bolster seats.  Do those whale tail bolt on out drive things work?  I hear they aren't worth it. 

[jsmagnum]

1995 232  bowrider with a 5.7 mostly stock alpha 1 gen 2 ,1.5 ratio running a 14.25 x 23 turning point prop. 50.5 gps mph at 5000 rpm. Love this boat the way it carves and the  handles the waves. Not bad on gas, exc. full out. Next season I would like to put in a 5.7 mpi 300 prop hp with a Rev 4 23 pitch prop.. the 3 blade will tend to aerate if the boat is loaded up.

[challenger3x2]

I confess I don't know the year that big blocks were no longer optional ,,, and I can't say for sure what modes could be made ( if needed ) to the 232 hull to handle a full 425 HP. with a B-III Package...  But I would love to drive one ..   I would have ordered one if it was an option.. The 320 HP B-III  small block was the most power I could have gotten at the time... I believe the 320 HP also required the captain's choice exhaust to the side... 

We have seem older 232's on the lake.. Some have big blocks... I can't tell if there is stringer or construction differences  between there boat and mine ,,, but a big block would have been great... 

Could you picture a 232 ,, with a 425 HP B-III,, ... As long as I am dreaming,,  Power package would mounted on a integrated aluminum cradle and balanced perfectly...  From what I have read the 232 hull handles the high 50 to low 60 well...
 
I wonder what 425 HP ( properly set up ) would do ???

[RobyW1]

I believe the last year for the big block in the 232 was something like 2000 or 2001. But even then those were only 300/310 HP 7.4 liter LX big blocks that were not much more powerful that a 350 MAG or a 6.2. In fact they had a less power to weight ratio. The more powerful 454 Magnum with 365/385 HP was not available in the 232.

The only way to have this 365/385 (365 for carburated 385 for EFI) 454 engines were only if it was a Magnum. Other 454's including any that were referred to as "7.4 Liter" of any varience only had 300 to 310 HP (There were various 330 HP 7.4 or 454 big blocks that were measured at the crankshaft. They were only 300 HP measured at the prop shaft)

Now of course the big blocks are going to have a torque advantage over the 350 Magnum and the 6.2 meaning you should be able to plane out faster. However if both are propped out correctly there should not be much difference in the top speeds of the 232 with 350 MAG or the 7.4 big block all else being the same.

[CDPalmer]

guys, last season i was forced to upgrade the motor in my 2002, 232BR.
I ended up with a 350 HP, 350 Stroker and i am very pleased with the results!   
not sure what the gps speed is but on the speedo, i increased my speed by 10 mph. 
and the sound?  ohh the sound.  That stroker just sounds mean!