Ocean 56SS: need input

If the boat feels underpowered with 800 or 825hp, then go with the Man 1050's...... Of the 3 choices, the 800hp CATS would be my first choice due to reliability, cost of parts and service, and cleanliness of exhaust especially at trolling speeds. However, if you feel it's underpowered then go with the 1050hp Man's, which are a good motor but I'm not a fan of them running on one bank of cylinders underneath the turbo's and the vibration and smell/smoke they make at trolling speeds.........but running at cruise they're smooth, quiet, and fuel efficient.

The 56 and the 60 are virtually the same boat with the extra length in the salon and in the cockpit. I've owned two 60's, one with 3412's and the other with 12V2000's, I couldn't imagine the 56 being anything other than a pig with the 800 hp cats. Go with the bigger motors for sure.

First one was an enclosed bridge 3412 boat while the second was an open bridge 12v1200 boat which I'm told was the only one ever built with the 2000 series engine as it was MTU's company boat. IMO, the bigger oceans (60'+) don't have the negative ride characteristics of the smaller boats. At first I didn't believe that the 56 and the 60 were the same boat till I saw them side by side, same beam, same lower cabin arrangement but smaller galley, dinette, main salon and cockpit. The 60 feels right space wise while the 56 feels a bit tight, especially in the engine room

Regardless, both 60's I had got on plane effortlessly and could cruise comfortably anywhere from 18 to 30 knots. I've seen 35 knots wot on the 3412 boat and 37 (just for a brief second) on the 12v2000 boat. They both handled great, fantastic turning and good in a head sea. While neither had the ride of a "deep V" of similar size in the rough, I still think they're great boats and offer tons of value for the money.

I own a 63SS powered with 1292's. While they may not be as efficient as some of the newer electronic engines, the boat still gets up and cruises at 25kts very comfortably.

I would stay away from under powering a boat. what you will find is that you will tend to push the engines to perform, and this will just add undue wear and tear to the engines. Get larger engines and let them do less work... you will have less cost over time, with more uptime.

Exactly my point. Go sea trial a 60 and I promise, you'll forget the 56.

On that note, albeit with smaller accomodations, the mid 2000's 54' Hatteras SF are an EXCELLENT riding boat.

Congrats. Make sure the engines service history is up to date otherwise you're going to spend big money bringing them up to date.