Morning,
Owned an I/O back when but new to jet boats.  Thinking about getting one and looking for some help from some experienced jet boat owners.  Noticed that most have big blocks but looking for opinions on a 350 in a 16ft Tahiti w/a Berkeley jet.  Hull has a pretty deep V for a jet boat which probably increases drag, but I'm into that design.
Thank you in advance

I think you will love it.  If it needs to be rebuilt, even better.   There are a ton of ways to build bad ass small blocks with big cubic inches for little cash these days.  My 18ft Horizon always ran a 400 SBC and we loved it.   Pulled up 5 single skiers at once, so I guess it had plenty of grunt.    It was great on gas too.

Food for thought.


A mild/semi stock 454 makes about 330 HP...


A well built 350 with good heads and exhaust makes 300 HP, but a tad less torque at the same RPM, so it needs to turn a little tighter, it also weighs about 200# less fully dressed....

Do the math.

Small blocks rule. (on a small scale that is.    )...

GT

Small blocks and 16 footers are the perfect match. Don't exspect to run 80 MPH in medium chop, which you shouldn't anyway.  Look at family crusing in the 60 MPH range depending on hull for a stockish motor. Have fun!