Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

[Tmakaro]

Im looking for a 2008 or newer Bayliner 192 discovery and I can't decide on the motor. I'm thinking the 3.0 will be ok for my needs since I don't do any skiing. I'm also not planning on buying a Kicker so I think the 3.0 would be better for that.

Does the 4.3L burn that much more gas than the 3.0L?

 

[achris]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

19' of boat is a lot for a 3 litre engine.

MPI or Carb? I have the 4.3MPI and I find it great on fuel. I had a 4bbl carbed 4.3 before this one and a 165 in-line 6 before that, and each engine was better on fuel than it's predecessor.

HTH,

Chris............

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

The 4.3L engine should burn very similar amounts of fuel, since the 3.0 will be working a lot harder. The 4.3 *may* burn about 10% more, if that. You will want the 4.3 and when you go to sell, it will be a more desirable boat with a 4.3L.

FWIW - As I recall, Popular Mechanics magazine did an article on big engine versus smaller engine about 10 years ago. Surprisingly, the big engines used very similar amounts of fuel as the smaller engines, except at the WOT range. Same boats.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

I have a 4.3 in a 19 foot b/r (1996) and love it. Great compromise on power and fuel efficiency.

A friend has a newer (07 or 08) 19 foot b/r with the 3.0 and swears it pulls tubes and skiers fine. Ive never been in it... takes awhile to plane and it would leave me wanting more.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

DO some searches for a series of posts that "45auto" posted a lot of stuff about fuel economy, engine size, etc... really good info for the point you're at right now.

In my own experience, the notion that you can always run a bigger motor at low throttle settings, but you can't pull more power out of a small one. Also, resale is a lot better for bigger engine boats in my experience... Hope this is helpful.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

I cant wait for the LS series of engines to become common in boats. Much more efficient overall.

 

[bnicov]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

Look for a 4.3, you won't regret it. If the boat is loaded with 5-6adults and a kid or 2, it definitely won't be wanting to get up on plane with a 3.0. It'll be more efficient at cruising speeds of 25-30mph.

 

[jkust]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

I second locating the 45auto's posts. Basically the graphs and tests he pulls from a certain boat testing website shows the carbed 4.3 with it's 44% greater HP and even more torque over the carbed 3.0, yields nearly the same fuel efficiency. The 4.3 is amazingly powerful and suprisingly fast even with a really heavy boat. The 3.0 is not.

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

Thanks, I'm going look up those posts from 45auto now. I currently have the slightly smaller boat(2002 1952 Capri cuddy) with the 3.0L and its fine for my use. I do notice that if it's loaded with people and gear then its a dog to get on plain but I don't do that often. It's also pretty good on gas when I am trolling. The 192 Discovery is a little bigger and a little heavier tho.

Oh yea, I would have thought that given the price of gas these days that a 3.0L would be more desireable. Also, once the riser and manifold need to be replaced then there is only one. It's a super easy job on a 3.0L

 

[jkust]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

Thanks, I'm going look up those posts from 45auto now. I currently have the slightly smaller boat(2002 1952 Capri cuddy) with the 3.0L and its fine for my use. I do notice that if it's loaded with people and gear then its a dog to get on plain but I don't do that often. It's also pretty good on gas when I am trolling. The 192 Discovery is a little bigger and a little heavier tho.

Oh yea, I would have thought that given the price of gas these days that a 3.0L would be more desireable. Also, once the riser and manifold need to be replaced then there is only one. It's a super easy job on a 3.0L

Funny how common sense and reality sometimes diverge. The 3.0 is a nice, simple engine and cheaper as well. Lot's of people around here get along just fine with them. You can instantly spot a boat with a 3.0 just by its sound. I'd gladly pay a bit more for such a large power increase especially given you give up nothing in economy. The jump up to a v8 is a bit more noticable where efficiency is concerned. I have an suv that had a standard 6 cylinder or an optional, beefier and better in all respects v8 and the scenario is identical where the v8 mimics the 6 cylinder mileage against logic. The v8 works less to push the 5000lbs along.

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

Well I am leaning towards the 4.3L now. Anyone have any idea how the two motors compare when trolling?

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

Well I am leaning towards the 4.3L now. Anyone have any idea how the two motors compare when trolling?

I dont troll but, look for or add a 4barrel carb... it has smaller primaries for better part throttle efficiency.

 

[Tmakaro]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

anyone else? This new boat is 7" longer, 4" wider and 340lb heavier than what I have right now. I'm happy with the 3.0L in my boat. I wonder if I will even notice much difference(on getting on plain) if the new boat also has a 3.0L?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

My 19' is equipped with a 3.0 and I couldn't be happier. The data from boatest.com shows that in my case the 3.0 is superior in economy vs. the 4.3 in the same boat. To be sure in your case, you need to compare Bayliner data since not all boats are the same.

A 3.0 will do anything you want as long as its propped right. I experimented to get what I need and ended up having a SS prop custom pitched. If I told you my fuel usage and speed you wouldn't believe me. Getting on plane has never been a problem, even with 8 people on board.

If you are a speed deamon, maybe a 4.3 would be better. For sure, you don't want to run any engine flat out all the time. In my case, waves and traffic always keep me at or below 3000 rpm, so I don't think I'm wearing out my 3.0. (28 years old, 1300+ hours and never serviced beyong routine PMs).

In contrast, my son has a carbed 4.3 on a boat only slightly larger, so got some data there too. I wouldn't want to run either at trolling speed. Both vibrate a little much for my liking, plus i don't believe in running at idle hour after hour. My 9.9 kicker serves many purposes and when trolling you can't even feel it. I wouln't be without it, even if i didn't troll.

 

[bnicov]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

Trim it up while trolling and you'll get down to a decent speed.

 

[jkust]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

anyone else? This new boat is 7" longer, 4" wider and 340lb heavier than what I have right now. I'm happy with the 3.0L in my boat. I wonder if I will even notice much difference(on getting on plain) if the new boat also has a 3.0L?

Only you can truly determine what you find acceptable for your use. Locate and test one of each with a real life load like you'd actually use not empty with 5 gallons of gas. I can tell you there is no time which I'd be satisfied with a 3.0, even sitting still, and my 4.3 leaves me wanting and that will quickly do 51.2 on the gps with a 21 pitch, aluminum prop pushing nearly 4000lbs including our family of 4. Just knowing I didn't get the optional 270hp v8 just irks me. Had I opted for the 3.0, I don't think I could live with myself (obvious over-emphasis added). I suspect nearly 50% more HP and a lot more torque will make a large difference getting on plain but again the boat test site will have enough statistics that you can get an idea as to the capabilities of each engine. You very well may be the type of person who is pleased with the capabilities of a 3.0.

 

[250Gimp]

Re: Fuel economy - 3.0 vs 4.3 on a 19' boat

I read a magazine article last year that confirms what lots of people are saying here...... A larger motor driven within reason will get the same or better fuel milelage compared to a small motor, since it doesn't have to work as hard to get on plain and cruise. Go WOT and then you will see your consumtption change though.

Cheers