Is 3.0 L enough power

[Subliminal]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Well, I think it should be said that the 4 cylinder will be dramatically easier to work on as it will only have 1 head and 1 set of manifolds , and much easier to get to spark plugs.

Also worth noting, depending on your cruising speed, the 4 cylinder won't necessarily be more fuel friendly. A v6 working at less than 100% could beat out a 4 cylinder straining at maximum RPM.

Just thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Also worth noting, depending on your cruising speed, the 4 cylinder won't necessarily be more fuel friendly.

Careful, Subliminal, we don't want to bring any facts, actual data, or real discussion of fuel mileage into this thread! Some things are just obvious .....

Obviously a V6 is going to use more fuel that however is not the issue.

I figured I could have more outings in the boat without paying for all the extra fuel costs.

From Boattest.Com:

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Fifthed!

 

[45Auto]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Although some people may find the performance data from Stingray boats useful, most will probably want to ignore it. The data is out there, your choice whether you want to believe it or not. If you bought your 3.0 for gas mileage, you really need to skip this post. Pay special attention to the engine size, gas mileage, and fuel cost per 100 hours columns:

 

[JimS123]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

All the recent data posted here has certainly opened my eyes. I always thought that the 3.0 liter provided overall better economics. I'm humbled to say I was wrong.

In fact, I'm so upset that I just got rid of my boat. My son was looking to buy one so I gave it to him. He has no concerns about fuel usage, so more power to him.

So, now I'm in the market for a new boat. Since the old Stingray served me so well, I would like to buy the exact same one again....except this time I'll upgrade to a 4.3 per the recommendations here. I don't really need more power, but the fuel savings alone is worth the upgrade. I looked over the Boatest.com data, as well as the manufacturer's website that shows pricing.

Optimum MPG is 5.69 vs. 6.20 for the 3.0 vs. 4.3 respectively. Since my average cruising speed is usually about 26 mph, and I run about 50 hours per year and gas costs about $3 per gallon, I expect to save about $56.00 per year in fuel. Knot too shabby!

Since I can't find what I want locally (only 3.0's in stock) I'll have to order my new boat. The 4.3 upgrade is $3907. So, I'm happy to report that after 69 years the 4.3 will pay for itself. I'm hoping that gas goes to $5 or $6 a gallon so my cost savings will start even sooner.

I'm also looking into buying used this time. Of course, since those little 4-bangers depreciate so badly, the 4.3 would be a much better investment. For what it's worth (don't trust the data), NADA shows that a 3 year old 19 footer with the 3.0 would sell for about $2000 less than the same model with a 4.3. So, with the smaller upcharge the break even point would be after only 36 years.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Why are you buying a boat to try to save gas? Are you using it to commute?

Why not keep the boat you have now if you don't need more power?

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

I always thought that the 3.0 liter provided overall better economics. I'm humbled to say I was wrong.

Jim, You should buy a rowboat then. .
Owning a boat is not CHEAP !!. I think you would die if I told you my burn rate per hour !!.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Why are you buying a boat to try to save gas? Are you using it to commute?

Why not keep the boat you have now if you don't need more power?

Sarcasm either owns you or escapes you. Can't figure out which one at the moment.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

 

[scipper77]

Re: Is 3.0 L enough power

Why are you buying a boat to try to save gas? Are you using it to commute?

Why not keep the boat you have now if you don't need more power?

Sarcasm either owns you or escapes you. Can't figure out which one at the moment.

It's hard to find a boring thread with 45 in it. I mean who else can present spreadsheets and other sources of collected data without boring you to tears.

My personal opinion is look for a good deal when you buy a boat without sacrificing your needs, BUT, don't look at the boat as an investment because the maintenance alone can suck you dry.