I won't argue with the "there's no replacement for displacement" point, it does play big part in getting a heavy boat up on plane. What also plays into HP / performance differences between one boat and another is hull design. This can include the deadrise angle at the transom, lifting strakes or sponsons included in the bottom design to help lift and so on.
In the case of the 4.5L / 6 cylinder Mercruiser, I believe this is a true Mercruiser engine as opposed to a marinized GM engine that has been the typical choice of Volvo, Mercruiser and Crusader. I think the thought was to have their own engine in place in case large V8 engines go away in the future.
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" Any day with a boat ride in it is a good day"
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