Best Engine for Your Wake Boat? - PCM Lineup Breakdown.

Ever worry your surf boat might be underpowered? In this video, Mitch from Boardco dives into everything you need to know about PCM engines—covering the L96, HO450, ZZ5, ZZ6, and the ZZ8S supercharged option. We’ll talk direct injection vs. sequential fuel injection, torque curves, fuel efficiency, and the real-world performance you can expect—especially at high-elevation lakes. Whether you’re running a Centurion, Supreme, or comparing other popular wake boats, this deep-dive will help you pick the perfect engine for wake surfing, wakeboarding, or cruising around spots like Lake Powell.

Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Underpowered Surf Boat?
00:05 – Meet Mitch from Boardco
00:07 – Why Engine Power Matters
00:17 – PCM L96 (409 HP)
00:55 – PCM H.O. 450 (450 HP)
03:37 – PCM Z5: Direct Injection & Torque Curve
05:10 – PCM Z6: Balanced Power & Efficiency
08:45 – PCM ZZ8S (Supercharged 630 HP)
10:15 – Do You Really Need a Supercharged Engine?
12:25 – Comparing Boat Brands & Engines
14:20 – Personal Preferences & Cost Considerations
15:50 – Final Thoughts & How To Contact Boardco

Have more questions about boat engines, props, or surfing setups? Drop a comment below or reach out to us at Boardco. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect configuration. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video if you found it helpful!

[toddekramer]

A complete engine summary with no pictures f the actual motor/bay, maintenance discussion, or power comparisons.

[pauledwards]

Very interesting video especially with the information regarding the ZZ5. Thanks for doing that Mitch!

[claytonhertz]

It's a good day when a new Mitch video comes out!

[joetaber]

Mitch - Great video. I live 10 minutes from the PCM factory in South Carolina. Almost every day I’m out on my Centurion on Lake Murray, I see one of the guys from PCM out riding their test bed Nautiques and Centurions - testing new power trains. I met the engineer who led the ZZ8 S project - he lives across my cove😁. It’s not just the incredible performance, they designed it to run on 89 octane fuel. They are a special company in the sense that nothing gets installed that they haven’t used on the water, surfing, skiing, wakeboarding for many hundreds of hours.

[JeffreyChoate]

Great video explaining the differences. And as always, kudos for being honest. A lot of dealers love to tell people they need to buy the biggest engine and spend more money. And while I tend to agree with this in the sterndrive industry, I don't think it is always the case in towboats. I have the Ilmore 6000 GDI (430HP and 479 lb ft torque) in my X23 at 1, 000ft elevation. I would never have any reason for the supercharged version. It comes out of the hole like a pulling tractor and will still do over 40 on the top end.

[bluiz]

What about the zr7 that came in the 2023 ri265

[bigprestony]

I think the boat I'm getting has a 2021 zr7, , 390 hours anything I should look for is this

[pierre]

What’s the fuel economy differences from the ZZ6 to the ZZ8S comparing them in the same model centurion while surfing.

[chiefgeek]

Can you do the same breakdown for ilmor engines?

[peterapgar]

Is there a significant increase in motor noise with a ZZ8S? Specifically supercharger wine?

[chuckgym]

Zz8s needs to run 93 octane?
ZZ6 89?
Ho450 does it gain HP for a higher octane? I have heard mixed opinions on this
We have a zz6 in our 245 but had the HO450 in our 230. HUGE power difference. Also have the 2:1 trans so I know that helps
Great video👊🏼

[lukekirsch]

I went with the ZZ6 in my 2024 S240 and its been worth every penny. I was sad to hear the zz5 and zz6 are no longer offered in supreme boats. Do you foresee the ZZ engines coming back to supreme for 2026 and beyond?

[chiefgeek]

which of those engine choices require super unleaded fuel? The lakes in my area do not offer super unleaded :(.