Anyone have feedback on Barr Manifolds

[Beech2000]

I was hopeful OP (SunChaser) would have chimed in with his results. No big deal now as I made the decision to order up OEM's. Thanks all

 

[Sun Chaser]

Just saw this. I went with Merc Cruiser. I replaced the starboard engine risers and manifolds in 2017 and the port engine risers and manifolds in 2018. I'm planning to remove and inspect both engines this coming spring.
Glenn

 

[Beech2000]

Just saw this. I went with Merc Cruiser. I replaced the starboard engine risers and manifolds in 2017 and the port engine risers and manifolds in 2018. I'm planning to remove and inspect both engines this coming spring.
Glenn

Glad to see you Chimed in. Thanks Glenn! Happy Thanksgiving BTW....
I figured for just a little more cost exposure I could go OEM Mercruisers. Funny too cause whilst our older 350 is fresh water, the early life of her was St. Augustine, FL. Looking at ship records I noted the port risers to be mercruisers. As far as I can tell no change out.. Ever.. Could it be? Doubtful I know.
During a Stbd engine rebuild, the shop noted in the ship records to have installed new Barr exhaust manifolds and risers. Funny too cause this happen to be my troubled engine and has Barrs on both.
Apologize for bringing back a Decade old thread but figured this is the very best way to identify aftermarket results. Thanks for this!... I went OEM

 

[pyro]

My last boat I used Barr manifolds for probably 8 years. I had some problems keeping the paint on the bottom side of the manifolds with standard 500 degree engine paint. I eventually went to 2000 degree paint. Not sure why they got so hot, and not sure it had anything to do with Barr. But after ~8 years new owner replaced them and said they looked good inside. Boat was used in salt approx once a week during 5 month summer season.

 

[Beech2000]

My last boat I used Barr manifolds for probably 8 years. I had some problems keeping the paint on the bottom side of the manifolds with standard 500 degree engine paint. I eventually went to 2000 degree paint. Not sure why they got so hot, and not sure it had anything to do with Barr. But after ~8 years new owner replaced them and said they looked good inside. Boat was used in salt approx once a week during 5 month summer season.

Thanks for this.
I'm in agreement that "Risers, Exhaust Manifolds, ferrous and nonferrous metals, sacrificial or not etc...) regardless of who manufactures are subject to the elements such as salt water environment beyond anyone's control. Fortunately, our cruiser is fresh water.

 

[scoflaw]

My last boat I used Barr manifolds for probably 8 years. I had some problems keeping the paint on the bottom side of the manifolds with standard 500 degree engine paint. I eventually went to 2000 degree paint. Not sure why they got so hot, and not sure it had anything to do with Barr. But after ~8 years new owner replaced them and said they looked good inside. Boat was used in salt approx once a week during 5 month summer season.

There's no water jacket on the bottom of Big Block manifolds,losing paint there is completely normal.
Merc makes 2 grades of manifolds and the price difference reflects that.

 

[Peter T Rocco]

I understand there is a cost difference between OEM and aftermarket but there are some things on a boat you do not skimp on. Manifolds and risers are one of them. Don't ever buy a boat if you are cheap, it's the wrong hobby to be in to try to save money on stuff like this, You may never know if the OEM are better but they are not worse and I can sleep with knowing that.