Tafflad
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2007
- Messages
- 544
I'm looking at what powerplant to specify in my next boat.
Currently Chaparral are the most serious consideration ... in 216/226 ssi range.
They offer both Volvo and Mercruiser options; I have had several Mercrusiers, (V6) but never a Volvo.
The options are 5.0 or 350 Mag Mercrusier or 5.0 or 5.7L Volvo.
I know there are those who always advocate bigger is best, but as with all things there is an optimum power combination.
Fuel consumption is a serious consideration ... with fuel currently being 1.35gbp per L in UK, that is equiv to $8.10 a US gal, and going up every month.
I know all 4 engines use the same base small block engine, but how does the fuel use compare between the options ?
For example between Merc 5.0 and 350 mag to get extra power are they simply squirting a lot more fuel in?
I will post a separate Q over Alpha/SX drive vs B3/duprop ... leave this thread just to engine choice.
The boat use will be inshore towed water sports (recreational only) ... so typical in use speed of 18 to 26 mph ... ... not really after all out speed, smooth acceleration, and good low end pop being more useful.
Currently Chaparral are the most serious consideration ... in 216/226 ssi range.
They offer both Volvo and Mercruiser options; I have had several Mercrusiers, (V6) but never a Volvo.
The options are 5.0 or 350 Mag Mercrusier or 5.0 or 5.7L Volvo.
I know there are those who always advocate bigger is best, but as with all things there is an optimum power combination.
Fuel consumption is a serious consideration ... with fuel currently being 1.35gbp per L in UK, that is equiv to $8.10 a US gal, and going up every month.
I know all 4 engines use the same base small block engine, but how does the fuel use compare between the options ?
For example between Merc 5.0 and 350 mag to get extra power are they simply squirting a lot more fuel in?
I will post a separate Q over Alpha/SX drive vs B3/duprop ... leave this thread just to engine choice.
The boat use will be inshore towed water sports (recreational only) ... so typical in use speed of 18 to 26 mph ... ... not really after all out speed, smooth acceleration, and good low end pop being more useful.