Should I power upgrade for $500?

[gixxerjim]

I have a line on a good running 250ci Merc 165hp inline 6 for about $500. Would it be a worthwhile upgrade from my 3.0L 4 cyl in my 1988 Sea Ray Seville 18' bowrider? How much performance gain? How are they on gas? I really like my little 4 cylinder now with $4.10 gas and young kids, but when they grow up and I routinely have 4 or 5 people in the boat....ah crap I should probably just buy a different boat at that point, right?

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Should I power upgrade for $500?

The quote from Jaws. "We're gonna need a bigger boat!"

 

[MikDee]

Re: Should I power upgrade for $500?

Believe me, you won't see that much difference between a 3.0 4cyl, and a 165hp 6cyl. Your engine is what? 135hp,,, going to 165hp, is not worth the effort, besides the extra torque of 6cyl will mostly be lost, if you load the boat up with 4, or more, people. Both of these engines are made for fairly light boats. You will probably have to change your drive gear ratio too. I wouldn't make the swap unless it was to a 350V8.

If you need more power for the kids later, get yourself a good 4 blade prop, you won't lose that much speed on top.

Or, get another boat

 

[1976SRV190]

Re: Should I power upgrade for $500?

leave it alone because usually you have to double the hP to get another 10mph on top end anyway. Id say if you want a faster boat, buy a bigger faster boat.