shortbus90
Recruit
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2011
- Messages
- 3
Hello All,
After a decade-long boatless interval, I am looking to get back into boating. Just occasional days out on the water, not significant usage. I am presently looking for a old (ie, cheap) runabout. Closed bow, 16-20'. I/O because I plan to use the boat on Lake Tahoe.
I've got a couple different prospects, solid boats, but with different powerplants. One boat is a 1972 16' Delta with a 2.5L 4cylinder GM/Mercruiser; the other is a 1972 Fiberform 19' with a Ford 302/Mercruiser 888. I'm not certain on the HP rating for the 4 cylinder, but the 302 is rated at 188hp. Both boats have been operated in the Sacramento delta, which is, of course, sea level. For my use, operation will be at altitudes generally ranging from about 3,500' (the closest lake to my home in the Sierra foothills) to Lake Tahoe (approx 6,100' elevation).
I am familiar with the altitude-related losses resulting during operation at high elevations. One of the realities is that although jetting and other tricks can get the motor to operate satisfactorily, a loss of horsepower is unavoidable. There is just no way around this. Even the computer-controlled EFI engine in my jeep, although it never misses a beat, is noticeably down on power at higher elevations.
My question: should I be limiting my search to boats with higher HP to begin with (in other words, V8s rather than 4cylinders)? My thinking is that if I have more HP to begin with, this might compensate for the inevitable loss of HP at altitude. I like the 4 cylinder Delta, burning less gas would be nice and absolute top speed is not a concern, but I'd hate to buy the Delta, drag it up to Tahoe and then find it won't even get on a plane.
Any advice/thoughts appreciated. Thanks!
After a decade-long boatless interval, I am looking to get back into boating. Just occasional days out on the water, not significant usage. I am presently looking for a old (ie, cheap) runabout. Closed bow, 16-20'. I/O because I plan to use the boat on Lake Tahoe.
I've got a couple different prospects, solid boats, but with different powerplants. One boat is a 1972 16' Delta with a 2.5L 4cylinder GM/Mercruiser; the other is a 1972 Fiberform 19' with a Ford 302/Mercruiser 888. I'm not certain on the HP rating for the 4 cylinder, but the 302 is rated at 188hp. Both boats have been operated in the Sacramento delta, which is, of course, sea level. For my use, operation will be at altitudes generally ranging from about 3,500' (the closest lake to my home in the Sierra foothills) to Lake Tahoe (approx 6,100' elevation).
I am familiar with the altitude-related losses resulting during operation at high elevations. One of the realities is that although jetting and other tricks can get the motor to operate satisfactorily, a loss of horsepower is unavoidable. There is just no way around this. Even the computer-controlled EFI engine in my jeep, although it never misses a beat, is noticeably down on power at higher elevations.
My question: should I be limiting my search to boats with higher HP to begin with (in other words, V8s rather than 4cylinders)? My thinking is that if I have more HP to begin with, this might compensate for the inevitable loss of HP at altitude. I like the 4 cylinder Delta, burning less gas would be nice and absolute top speed is not a concern, but I'd hate to buy the Delta, drag it up to Tahoe and then find it won't even get on a plane.
Any advice/thoughts appreciated. Thanks!
