Hoping to get some quick feedback here on the 350Q unique intake; very close to making purchase of an older Hatteras (I know this is a CC forum) but nonetheless the boat has twin 350Q engines; I have recently read a lot about the how the intake manifold is unique on these models and basically cannot be replaced ONLY if you happen to find and after market original which can be very difficult and expensive.
I don't know that I want to get into engines that I can't maintain long term if an issues comes up? The engines currently have approx. 600 hours on them so likely in good shape for a while, BUT with the inability to get a part like this could be a game changer; any thought would be appreciated; thanks!
As long as you winterize them properly, they should last indefinitely. Just pump all the water out of them and fill with automotive antifreeze (keeps them from corroding over the winter). As older boats come off line, there will be used ones available, but I wouldn't worry.
Is it urban legend, that it is hard to get the water out of these engines under the intake? I grew up working at marinas in Holland in the '70s, where Chris Craft built a ton of boats. I helped winterize them and block them up every fall, don't remember anything special about these engines for winterizing: drain and park them. There are plenty still around, but as they get older, they tend to be owned by the excessive maintainer crowd. The one friend I have with twin 327Q, still just drains and parks it for the winter.
To add to the comments. Thomas and Scott provided good information, If properly winterized and they are in fresh water they should should be ok. You could pull the rear plug on the intake to make sure there is no water and only antifreeze as that spot can be trouble when they are winterized. When I pulled my Q's I kept all the bolt ons including two intakes. Sold one years ago and the hoarder in me still regrets it. I have an SS with a Q so I kept one just in case.
I replaced my Q's with 454's. Why? 1. Because a friend pulled them and sold them to me for next to nothing. 2. The 35 Sport Cruiser, now in the trusted hands of Thoimas, with the 327/350's was underpowered. Running Lake MI in anything over 3' was a real challenge and hard on the engines. Me too.
Given my thoughts on power and it's an older Hat it can't be a light boat and it may not perform like you want. Which depends on how you're going to use it. Old boats with original power can always be a challenge.
I don't think a 31' Hatt is significantly heavier than a 31' Commander. Hatt used balsa coring to save weight. Deeper V will be slower, but handle waves better. It will run more bow-high, maybe not plane as easily, smoother in waves. 350Q should power it well.
Wasn’t aware of the size. The 350’s should be adequate.
My port 327 Q engine is 55 years old and still running good. Winterize with antifreeze and they should last that long