Makai engine

[Jmarru15]

Hello all, I am considering several different boating options, one of which being the Makai. What are your all‘s thoughts regarding engines? Most of the ones for sale that I have seen come with the standard 400 raptor engine. I have heard some random comments regarding that not being enough engine and I would not be satisfied with out the 450 engine. I of course know this has to do with a lot of factors. Sometimes there may only be three people in the boat, other times there may be 12. I’m just looking for all around best case scenario. Is it really that big of a deal with the 400 engine regarding being under powered? Or do most people feel like it’s a non-issue and you’re fine with the 400? I appreciate everyone’s input!

[Shoebox]

I demoed a 2020 Makai with the 400. The 2020s come with the 1.76 trans, so somewhat equivalent to the 2019s with the 450. We had 5 adults and 3 kids, full stock ballast plus 500 lbs lead. It was not lacking in power.

[MJHSupra]

I demoed a 2020 Makai with the 400. The 2020s come with the 1.76 trans, so somewhat equivalent to the 2019s with the 450. We had 5 adults and 3 kids, full stock ballast plus 500 lbs lead. It was not lacking in power.

I forgot all about the 2020s and the 1.76 setup. That's cool and would be probably enough for most.

[Shoebox]

I forgot all about the 2020s and the 1.76 setup. That's cool and would be probably enough for most.

I'm at about 2500 ft and there was plenty of power with the 400. The dealer was saying power with the new trans and 400 is basically equivalent to the 2019 with the 450. I demoed the 2020 w/400, and was going to demo a 2019 with 450 to compare, but they made me a deal I couldn't refuse on the SL450.

[dakota4ce]

I'm at about 2500 ft and there was plenty of power with the 400. The dealer was saying power with the new trans and 400 is basically equivalent to the 2019 with the 450. I demoed the 2020 w/400, and was going to demo a 2019 with 450 to compare, but they made me a deal I couldn't refuse on the SL450.

Except the 2019 450 is both the actual 450 and 1.76....I guess I am not sure what was meant.

Certainly the 20 with the 400/1.76 is closer to the 19 450 though .


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[Shoebox]

Except the 2019 450 is both the actual 450 and 1.76....I guess I am not sure what was meant.

Certainly the 20 with the 400/1.76 is closer to the 19 450 though .


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Huh? 2019 Makai with 450 isn't 1.76.

I'm saying the 2019 450/1.5 is similar in output/feel to the 2020 400/1.76

[larry_arizona]

400 engine is plenty if you are fairly close to sea level and have the right prop.

If you are above 2500 feet, I would start to consider the 450.


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[Shoebox]

I like it. It's had a couple hiccups but nothing major. The only real drawback so far is there's no changing the stereo head unit, it's all integrated. Not that I would necessarily, but you simply can't. The amps desperately need a pro tuning right out of the box. All the presets for different people/waves is really cool, and you can see exactly what thr boat is doing at all times.

As for storage, with all under-floor ballast, there is TONS. I have several completely empty compartments, even with all our gear and 600 lbs lead spread around.

[dakota4ce]

I have owned a Makai 450 and now an SL450. Both are excellent. The surf experience on the SL is a good bit easier to achieve IMHO. SL with 1000 lead produces a wave a good bit better than a Makai with 1500–and that’s with 500 less stock ballast at the outset.

Makai is a big big girl, and has tons of room. SL is several notches higher in luxury. 2020 Supra sound is off the charts. Can’t speak for tuning the 2019s systems.

While I really really liked my Makai, the SL is a nicer boat by a good margin. Just need to decide what level of bling you want.

Both are awesome boats, but not apples to apples.


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[Azfamily]

Thanks for the info and the comparisons on the two boats, it helps out a lot. I do like the SL over the Makai mainly due to the ease of surf set up and the need for less extra weight. Hopefully the dealerships are willing to deal on the boats, otherwise we might just go with the Makai and keep the extra cash. Thanks again