My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

[tawood]

I just got back from Saginaw Bay with my brother...we went smallmouth fishing out at Charity Island. When we headed back, the lake was dead calm, so I did something I rarely do, and opened the boat throttle wide open for part of the run back to Port Austin (22 mile trip back).
Once the boat settled down, I trimed for "the sweet spot", and I was able to hit 43.8 mph on the GPS!!!! Now I know to the 4.3s and 5.0s, this isn't that fast, but for a 19' fiberglass boat with 2 adults, 6 rods, 3 tackle boxes, 2 deep cycle batteries, electric trolling motor, 2 full coolers, portable live well, etc, and a tank still on nearly full....this blew my mind!!!!
I couldn't run at that speed for more than just a sec, because (fortunately) I quickly noticed I was 200 rpm's over red line on the tach...

I was really leary about getting a boat with the 3.0L, because I kept hearing how I would have a hard time pulling skiiers with a boat full of people, etc....now I just laugh when I hear that. I actually had someone on here call me a liar when I mentioned I ski with 6 guys in the boat. Whatever...enjoy your gas bill!
Tim

 

[jkust]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

I just got back from Saginaw Bay with my brother...we went smallmouth fishing out at Charity Island. When we headed back, the lake was dead calm, so I did something I rarely do, and opened the boat throttle wide open for part of the run back to Port Austin (22 mile trip back).
Once the boat settled down, I trimed for "the sweet spot", and I was able to hit 43.8 mph on the GPS!!!! Now I know to the 4.3s and 5.0s, this isn't that fast, but for a 19' fiberglass boat with 2 adults, 6 rods, 3 tackle boxes, 2 deep cycle batteries, electric trolling motor, 2 full coolers, portable live well, etc, and a tank still on nearly full....this blew my mind!!!!
I couldn't run at that speed for more than just a sec, because (fortunately) I quickly noticed I was 200 rpm's over red line on the tach...

I was really leary about getting a boat with the 3.0L, because I kept hearing how I would have a hard time pulling skiiers with a boat full of people, etc....now I just laugh when I hear that. I actually had someone on here call me a liar when I mentioned I ski with 6 guys in the boat. Whatever...enjoy your gas bill!
Tim

The v6 vs the 4 is a paradox. The 6 gets better mileage than the 4 in certain parts of the curve. You said it, 43.8 is about the speed I think of with a 4 banger. Id be worried if it was any less than that and it sounds like you might be able to go up a pitch if you have 200 rpms left over. Dont forget a carbed 2bbl 6 can get a legitimate 60mph on certain hulls and there is some more easy hp and torque to be gained with a 4bbl carb/intake on a vortec v6. I didn't catch your boat type but I bet if you drove one with a 6, you'd wish you had one too. My 6 struggles with only 4 on board and now I know why they offered a v8 option.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

I was really leary about getting a boat with the 3.0L, because I kept hearing how I would have a hard time pulling skiiers with a boat full of people, etc....now I just laugh when I hear that. I actually had someone on here call me a liar when I mentioned I ski with 6 guys in the boat. Whatever...enjoy your gas bill!
Tim

Gotta love that...

 

[JimS123]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

The problem with the 3.0 L is that we live in a society where nobody is ever satisfied. Always have to go faster than the other guy, have a bigger one or a newer one.

My rig is similar to yours. You didn't say what your boat was, but mine is a Stingray. They are noted for being fast hulls that are happy with less HP. I'm running a 20" pitch double cupped prop (its a modified re-pitch) and she'll do 47 mph any day with full trim. But, if the conditions are just right (she likes a short but consistent chop) with just two aboard, a half full tank and sweet spot trim she'll just do 50!

Now, under those same conditions going downstream in the Niagara River (fast current) I can do 56 GPS. I realize that's cheating, but the land sure goes by real fast....LOL.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

I would like to point out that top speed has very little to do with how well you can pull skiers up. The torque/hole shot is where the engine is going to show it's teeth. Pull two 200+lbs guys up on slolam with a 3.0L and then do it with a small-block V8 and see which one you AND the skiers prefer. There isn't usually too much of a difference in top speeds when speaking of most runabout hulls. Most 20' runabouts top out between 45-55mph depending on engine HP, and they have been in that same range since the 60's.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

Hey if you're happy, that's what counts! That is part of why you bought the boat, "Be Happy and Enjoy Life"

 

[oldjeep]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

I would like to point out that top speed has very little to do with how well you can pull skiers up. The torque/hole shot is where the engine is going to show it's teeth. Pull two 200+lbs guys up on slolam with a 3.0L and then do it with a small-block V8 and see which one you AND the skiers prefer. There isn't usually too much of a difference in top speeds when speaking of most runabout hulls. Most 20' runabouts top out between 45-55mph depending on engine HP, and they have been in that same range since the 60's.

OK, I just have to ask. Why in the world would you pull 2 slalom skiers up at once?

For normal use the 3.0L works well. I admit that coming up behind my father in-laws Malibu is easier than behind my boat, but it still works.

 

[45Auto]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

Glad to hear you guys are happy with your 3.0's, especially that "great" gas mileage! (Be careful not to look at any actual data, you'll be disappointed to find out you're slower, have less power, and are using more gas than the 4.3's ....)

Don't have any direct comparisons on 3.0 vs 4.3 Bayliners in the same hull, but I'm sure yours is much better than anything else in the world!

JimS123 data (unverified):

EDIT

 

[superbenk]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

I hate to say it, but I'm kind of kicking myself for passing up an 04 Stingray cuddy with a 135hp 4cyl just because it was only a 4cyl. I look back at that boat and *really* wish I'd jumped now. It was (in hindsight) ideal for us (we don't ski, only considering tubing in the short-term, putter a lot & cruise).

Posts like this make me kick myself

 

[oldjeep]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

Well, since you can't get anything but a 3.0L with a 195 classic - there's no comparison. Nice thing about the "classic" series is that it weighs just over 2000 lbs.

If you stepped up to the euro style hull regular 195 then you got an extra 800 - 900 lbs of weight, a bunch more sticker price and a choice of bigger motors. I wouldn't want a 3.0L in that package.

No idea how to measure "milage" in a boat, but in a full day of running/skiing we use about 12 gallons. We arn't carrying a boat full of 200+ lb people though, just a family of 5 regular sized people.

 

[JimS123]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

(Be careful not to look at any actual data, you'll be disappointed to find out you're slower, have less power, and are using more gas than the 4.3's ....)
JimS123 data (unverified):

What is your problem, anyway? What's the hidden agenda? Are you so unhappy with the second hand boat you bought that you must criticize others that are actually satisfied with what they have? The OP made a happy comment and all I said was that he was not the only one that was a satisfied customer.

Also, I wish you wouldn't keep throwing that unverified stuff back at my face as though I'm lying. As I pointed out before, that's not MY data. The numbers were provided by the Stingray boat company. All I did was put it on a spreadsheet and send it to you so you could have the same comparison as your unverified Searay data. If you would, please take my moniker off of the spreadsheet and replace it with SBC. If you don't believe the data go look it up yourself. Also, my previous economic comparison quite clearly showed the cost savings for the 3.0, including purchase price and operating costs. Those WERE my numbers.

If your data is correct, all it points out is that Stingrays have a better hull design than Searay because they require less HP. No sense in using Bayliner as a comparison becasue they obviously found out that for some of their boats the 3.0 was the best choice, thus they don't even offer an alternate.

If the old 3.0 were so bad, they wouldn't still be making if after over 40 years.

Over and out.

 

[45Auto]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

Sorry if it disturbs you, not criticizing anybody. I hope you're as happy with your boat as I am with mine! I just find it hilarious to see you guys posting how happy you are riding around thinking you're saving all this gas without having any idea what your actual numbers are!

Whatever...enjoy your gas bill!
Tim

As far as your data, originally you claimed it came from Powerboating magazine, now you're claiming it came from Sea Ray. Hard to keep your lies straight? All I got from you was an Excel list of speed and MPG, you claimed your scanner didn't work so you couldn't scan the article. Unless you can provide an independent source, it's considered unverified in the real world.

As a matter of fact, I DO know for a fact. The year I bought my boat it was one of the models that was listed by Powerboat Magazine as one of the recommendations. They tested that particular model with each of the engine options offered that year.

As I pointed out before, that's not MY data. The numbers were provided by the Stingray boat company. All I did was put it on a spreadsheet and send it to you

You can verify my data at http://www.boattest.com/, I guess you didn't see the links in the earlier posts.

This discussion has been going on for the 8 years I've been on this board, I've YET to see any 3.0L owner post any kind of real data. That's why I requested you send me what you had, I was hoping for something that would support your position. I would be more than happy to verify it from Stingray if you have a link, I sure can't find it.

If your data is correct, all it points out is that Stingrays have a better hull design than Searay because they require less HP.

My data from Boattest.com compares identical SeaRay hulls with 3.0 and 4.3 motors. Has nothing to do with "better" or "worse" design. "Better" is a personal decision, although you'll find that in the marketplace (proven by sales, more of that aggravating real data!) more people prefer the smooth riding, deeper V, stronger constructed, higher quality Sea Ray to the light weight (thin), rough riding, shallow V, low quality Stingray. If your definition of "better" is faster, then yes, the Stingray is "better". But if that's the case, why are you fooling around with a 3.0 ??

 

[tawood]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

The v6 vs the 4 is a paradox. The 6 gets better mileage than the 4 in certain parts of the curve. You said it, 43.8 is about the speed I think of with a 4 banger. Id be worried if it was any less than that and it sounds like you might be able to go up a pitch if you have 200 rpms left over. Dont forget a carbed 2bbl 6 can get a legitimate 60mph on certain hulls and there is some more easy hp and torque to be gained with a 4bbl carb/intake on a vortec v6. I didn't catch your boat type but I bet if you drove one with a 6, you'd wish you had one too. My 6 struggles with only 4 on board and now I know why they offered a v8 option.

How quickly my happy little thread goes right in the toilet!!! I USED TO HAVE a 4.3L Sea Ray, so I do know the difference, and I DON'T wish I had one again. I might be showing my age, but the "more power, more power, more power" days of finding my boating excitement are over.
This boat does EVERYTHING the Sea Ray did except go 55 mph and get the poor gas mileage. Now maybe the poor gas mileage was from hull design, I don't know. But I've got to figure that 4 cylinders are used for gas economy cars for a reason. Plus, show me what ever figures you want from what ever boats you want, I still haven't seen a boat over 17' that can get the 5.96 mpg (Boat Test) at 24 mph that mine gets....and btw, I checked the GPS when we got back from Charity Island, and I went a total of 59.5 miles, left with a full tank, and it took 9.5 gallons of gas when I got back....that is OVER 6 1/4 mpg (part of which was at full throttle).
I would agree with you, however, about the prop, and I just ordered a 23P...

For those that like the v6 or v8: more power to ya (pun intended). But my point was don't say you "need" one of these to pull a skiier, etc, because lets face it, nobody "needs" to pull skiiers period, and although it may be easier to pull with the bigger motors, it is by no means impossible (or even difficult) with the smaller ones.

Oh, and 45auto, since you asked for it, here is my boats data (not in a pretty graph though):
http://www.boattest.com/oem/general-info.aspx?ID=548&lp_id=354#TestResult

 

[jkust]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

How quickly my happy little thread goes right in the toilet!!! I USED TO HAVE a 4.3L Sea Ray, so I do know the difference, and I DON'T wish I had one again. I might be showing my age, but the "more power, more power, more power" days of finding my boating excitement are over.
This boat does EVERYTHING the Sea Ray did except go 55 mph and get the poor gas mileage. Now maybe the poor gas mileage was from hull design, I don't know. But I've got to figure that 4 cylinders are used for gas economy cars for a reason. Plus, show me what ever figures you want from what ever boats you want, I still haven't seen a boat over 17' that can get the 5.96 mpg (Boat Test) at 24 mph that mine gets....and btw, I checked the GPS when we got back from Charity Island, and I went a total of 59.5 miles, left with a full tank, and it took 9.5 gallons of gas when I got back....that is OVER 6 1/4 mpg (part of which was at full throttle).
I would agree with you, however, about the prop, and I just ordered a 23P...

For those that like the v6 or v8: more power to ya (pun intended). But my point was don't say you "need" one of these to pull a skiier, etc, because lets face it, nobody "needs" to pull skiiers period, and although it may be easier to pull with the bigger motors, it is by no means impossible (or even difficult) with the smaller ones.

Oh, and 45auto, since you asked for it, here is my boats data (not in a pretty graph though):
http://www.boattest.com/oem/general-info.aspx?ID=548&lp_id=354#TestResult

No disrespect here. I literally could care less how bad or good my mileage is since all of our lakes are small. If It took 10 times more fuel, I just wouldn't care as it is really not a concern on our inland lakes. My outboard 2 stroke Bayliner could rival any boat for poorest mileage. I wish my Chaparral could hit 55 with the 4.3 but that's not going to happen.

 

[tawood]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

No problem...and I don't take the posts here to seriously anyhow...

Besides, I look at boat gas mileage like I look at my RV gas mileage (or my airplane mileage...I have a lot of toys, I know): it is of minor importance anyhow....The way I see if, if you are willing to spend a ton of money on a toy, the gas mileage should be one of the lessor concerns, because compared to the price, it is very minor.

 

[JimS123]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

As far as your data, originally you claimed it came from Powerboating magazine, now you're claiming it came from Sea Ray.

If a boat company collected their own data, it would also be considered unverified, since it could be self-serving. Today, Boattest.com seems to be the independent testing agency of choice. Back in the day, it was Powerboat Magazine. Stingray (not Searay) used to put out a newspaper-like advertisement in addition to their glossy color catalog. In that suplemental catalog they published reprints of the articles and test data previously published by PM. My library contains Stingray's old catalogs...I never saved the PM magazine issues.

Today, in our "global" economy, "quality" is defined as "meets ALL of the customer's requirements". If the cheap, thin hulls we're talking about can stand up to the rigors of Lake Erie, then it would be my guess that they have met their requirements. Lots of old Stingrays still running strong; lots of newer Searays in the junk heap. Truth is that the #1 component in the quality debate is the care given by the owner.

 

[90sunbird]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

ill sum it up ive had 4cyl 6 cyl 8 cyl and im not worring about gph's and mpg's if you cant afford to run your boat dont get one! who ever says thay would rather have a 4 cyl boat rather then a 8 cyl boat in nuts but ill tell you i like my v8!!! and i had some nice 4cyls. its not a power thing for me it is a nicer ride on a nicer bigger boat and the ski and bording ive done the v8 works better! some one tell me it doesnt, you fit the engine to the size of the boat!
P.S. I want to see the 56 mph 4cyl 3.0 because i have built 3.0 with 50 more hp then stock {i build engines} and i never broke 45 on 16-19 ft vhulls. did you mount your 3.0 on a piece of plywood with a seat and a 2.5 gallon gas can? or did you get the rocket pack option from your ariplane/boat dealer

 

[JimS123]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

P.S. I want to see the 56 mph 4cyl 3.0 because i have built 3.0 with 50 more hp then stock {i build engines} and i never broke 45 on 16-19 ft vhulls. did you mount your 3.0 on a piece of plywood with a seat and a 2.5 gallon gas can? or did you get the rocket pack option from your ariplane/boat dealer

That was a joke EDIT. Didn't you see the LOL? The river current is huge there. That's why a GPS is worthless under some conditions because it shows the boat's land speed, not its speed in the water.

 

[90sunbird]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

That was a joke EDIT. Didn't you see the LOL? The river current is huge there. That's why a GPS is worthless under some conditions because it shows the boat's land speed, not its speed in the water.

i didnt notice the lol sorry im sitting in a airport delayed for the second time so im not in such a good mood but i am still intrested in your 50 mph 3.0 what kind of hull "That was a joke EDIT" what was the edit you seem angry perhaps a v8 would make u feel better then you could go 100 mph

 

[BTMCB]

Re: My little 3.0L is blowing my mind...

To the OP Tim.....I am glad you are pleased with your boat / engine performance! That's what it is all about and alot of the posts here just simply missed YOUR point!