3.0l or 4.3l new

[jmarty10]

I have 3 young children. 7,6 and 4. WE are thinking about buying a new boat next year. I like the idea of a 3.0 being good on gas but I am concerned that as the kids grow older the 3.0 will not be a lot of power. Has anyone had success with a 3.0l 17-18 ft boat used for tubing witht he family of 5. Happy or disapointed.

 

[Jerico]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

My boat is 17'6" with a 3.0. With a 19 pitch prop it does fine pulling a tube with 3 adults in the boat. That's what my kids enjoy the most. It takes a strong skiier to get out of the water, but isn't bad once they are up. Top speed is around 45. If I pulled skiiers very often I would switch to my 17 pitch prop while pulling, then back when finished.

My recommendation would be if you want good gas mileage, okay tubing, occasional skiing the 3.0 is an option. If you want more skiing and more power go for the 4.3.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

any kind of water sports, 4.3 is minimum. remember the kids are going to want to bring friends. don't forget to look at the new Bayliner 205. they have 3 great models, if you like to fish also, there fish N ski design is perfect, all the fishing accessories, are stowable in the boat. fish in the morning, 15 minutes, all the gear is stowed, and it is a ski boat.

 

[DJ]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

4.3, 4.3, 4.3!!!!!!!

You will not be sorry. If you go 3.0 you will always wonder if you should have gone bigger.

An overworked 3.0 is going to use more fuel than a loafing 4.3. Just because you have more power doesn't mean you have to use it, all the time.

The 4.3 will also make resale much easier and you will get your money back.

Salespeople are going to push the 3.0 real hard because that is probably what they have on the lot (price leader). RESIST IT.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

IMO, Get the 4.3 V6, rather then the 3.0 4cyl, You never want to feel underpowered in a boat, especially once you've made a huge investment like that, because it would take another huge sum to change it later, if even possible. Once you fill up the gas tank, and put your Coast guard package in plus an anchor, etc, and a cooler, plus 4 or 6 people in the boat, that 3.0 is gonna be working pretty hard, even more so if you decide to go tubing, or skiing, and you won't be concerned about gas milage, but wishing you had bought the 4.3!

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

Nobody has ever complained about too much power.
But there sure is a lot of posts (new one Monthly at a minimum) in the IO forum about how to get more power out of a 3.0L engine or what it takes to change from a 3.0L to a 4.3L.
Avoid the hassle and start with a 4.3.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

Well stated Don!

 

[nlain]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

I had a 3.0L in a 1987 17' bowrider, I now have a 2004 185 with a 4.3L, fuel consumption is not that different, both are carb engines, get the 4.3L you will not be sorry, there is a mpi version of 4.3L @220HP, where the carb is 190HP.

 

[4Winns2]

Re: 3.0l or 4.3l new

Yepper, go with the 4.3. I have a 20 foot Four Winns cuddy and I sometimes wish I had an eight cylinder. I put a full load on board and really have to move people to the front just to get up on plane. Like someone else said, it's better to over power than under power. Gas milage won't be that much different but the experience will.