Time to a boat for next year and I'm not sure which engine is best. My dealer normally orders the MCX version and has had a few folks order the LQ9. I'm thinking I would rather be over powered than underpowered and the L-18 might be the way to go. I've driven an X-Star, loaded with factory ballast, powered by the MCX and the boat performed fine. The boat didn't feel like it had goobs of extra power, but the boat reached plane and speed quick enough. The biggest question about the L-18 over the MCX comes down to is the extra 14K or so worth it for the 8.1L? Would an X-Star with ten people and 2000lbs of ballast be sluggish with the MCX? What is the difference in gas usage? I'm guessing that even though the 8.1L won't have to work as hard, it will still use a bunch of gas. I just wonder what the difference in gas usage is between the MCX and L-18. The LQ9 looks like a nice engine but it only comes with a closed cooling system, I think. That means no hot water shower. Of course, the difference between the L-18 and LQ9 is a chunk of change to pay for a shower. Anyone have any insight on the three motors? (MCX, LQ9, and L-18) Fuel usage, torquiness, maintenance costs, reliability, stuff like that...
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