enough power

[ewenm]

hi i,m coming from a twin engine 32 footer to a bowrider, is a 4 banger enough to power an 18 footer

one boat ive looked at is a Stingray 185LS.

now i know there is no substitute for cubic inches and i know there are a million opinions on whats the best boat, BUT my question stands

i have only had Mercruiser and VP V6,s and with efi.

i am seriously down scaling my boat usage, just general bay cruising with my wife , vary rarely maybe towing a tube with grand kids.

probably lucky to do 25 hours a year

i know this is not much to go on but as a general question do these boats get up and hustle with 135hp

 

[mrchev]

Re: enough power

I have had to bayliners both with 4 cylinder volvo engines. a 19 foot bowrider that did 45mph with 3- 200 lbs men in it. also a 21 foot cuddy cabin that i found ok as long as the water didnt get to rough, would of been better with a v6. i now have a 22 foot aft cabin doral with a 4.3 lx. what a difference from the 21 foot bayliner. the volvos where 125 hp, witch works well in the bow rider but not so well in the cuddy.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: enough power

If you always have had a V6 merc EFI( which is a awesome little engine). Why not stick with what you know?

I have been on a 3.0.. Got great on fuel mileage.. My buddy loved it.. Then I bought a(old) I/O, he rode with me and wished he sprung for the V6
My 4.3 will chew it up and spit it out.. The hole shot is like night and day..

Go ahead and get ya the V6(you won't regret the spend).. The only thing you will wish for then is a 350.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: enough power

For your intended usage it sounds like a 4cyl would be adequate. Stingray's hull design really makes the most of less power also. You'll pay for it in ride quality though.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: enough power

I'm definitely a 4.3L advocate. Love the ratio of power to fuel efficiency. I must admit, though, it really sounds to me like you'll be happy either way. The 4.3 may give you a little more peace of mind for those times encountering rough weather and waters.

Good luck. Please keep us posted... And don't forget the pics!!!

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: enough power

All in what you want. For the use you mentioned, I'd think a 3.0L would do just fine.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: enough power

I had a heavy 18footer BR with a V6. I do not think I would have liked the 4 cylinder motor in that boat. If your boat is light to medium heavy, the 3.0 motor will perform OK. Ironically, I never liked the sound the 4 cylinder motor made. The V6 sounded real good.

 

[pec2402]

Re: enough power

Speaking from my experience, which is limited, but I do have a Volvo 4.3GL (carb, not efi) I top out around 50 with 2 passengers. Now, my hole shot is probably a lot quicker than the 3.0, but I don't think you will see a huge difference in top end speed, according to what others have posted about the 3.0 max mph.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: enough power

From what your usage is I dont think you will have any problems with that set up.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: enough power

I've had the 4 cylinder motor, and you cannot wear them out. They just freeze up and crack due to poor maintenance--in most cases.

The 3.0 liter 140 hp engine is okay, however the 4.3 190 hp engine is a real honey. Both are fuel efficient, and will run plenty fast. The 3.0 is pretty weak coming out of the hole--and the 4.3 will eat it alive.

If you're just cruising and not pulling tubes/skiers, the 3.0 would be okay.