Motor Choices..So many to choose from?.

[fburke]

I know this topic said no engine questions....but I was hoping that was referring to actual mechanical questions. My question is a generalized informational question?the engine topic was too technical for me?.

I see many motor choices from Inline 4 cylinders V6?s and V8?s not to mention all the outboards?.

I pretty sure I want an inboard/outboard. I have a family of 4 and am looking to do some light ocean cursing and maybe some tubing for the kids and some fishing for dad once in a while.

Think I would be looking in the 20 ft cuddy cabin range.

What would be the ideal choice for power vs. fuel consumption?I want to have some power but not looking for a speed boat. nor am I looking to spend 200.00 on gas for a day of boating. but then again I don?t want to be under powered and put excessive strain on the engine,

Any suggestions from current owners?


Thanks!

 

[JoLin]

Re: Motor Choices..So many to choose from?.

It's kind of a loaded question, but based on your criteria, my recommendation would be either 4.3 V6 or 5.0 V8. Either Volvo-Penta or Mercruiser, depending on which has the best service availability where you live.

My .02

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Motor Choices..So many to choose from?.

Agreed. A 4 cylinder will be underpowered for that boat/usage.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Motor Choices..So many to choose from?.

I think the 5.7L is probably the best mix of performance/fuel efficiency. If I were to go with less than the 5.7, it'd be the 4.3L. The 5.7 will have more than enough power to do anything you want with a 20' boat, but won't drink nearly the fuel that a 6.2L or big-block will. The 4.3L is fine, and will do the job, but I like the low-end grunt of a V8 getting out of the hole. Never been a fan of the Chevy 305 (5.0L) engine in general, so I don't even consider it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Motor Choices..So many to choose from?.

I personally wouldn't want an I/O for primarily salt water usage.

 

[Red Snappa]

Re: Motor Choices..So many to choose from?.

I know this topic said no engine questions....but I was hoping that was referring to actual mechanical questions. My question is a generalized informational question?the engine topic was too technical for me?.

I see many motor choices from Inline 4 cylinders V6?s and V8?s not to mention all the outboards?.

I pretty sure I want an inboard/outboard. I have a family of 4 and am looking to do some light ocean cursing and maybe some tubing for the kids and some fishing for dad once in a while.

Think I would be looking in the 20 ft cuddy cabin range.

What would be the ideal choice for power vs. fuel consumption?I want to have some power but not looking for a speed boat. nor am I looking to spend 200.00 on gas for a day of boating. but then again I don?t want to be under powered and put excessive strain on the engine,

Any suggestions from current owners?


Thanks!

I have a Pro-Line 20 Walk around cuddy with a 150 Yamaha 2 stroke outboard. I would highly reccomend an outboard for your situation. I use the boat for salt water fishing as well as lake runs for skiing, wake boarding, and tubing. I get 40 MPH top end and I can pull up 2 skiers at once (2 guys 200 + lbs plus each) with 5 adults on the boat no problem. I have never had one spec of trouble with the motor and I'm on my 9th season running it. The maintenance on an outboard is also incredibly easy compared to an I/O. In the winter I change the gear case oil, put fogging oil in the motor, and take the battery out. In the spring I change or clean the plugs, grease a few fittings, grease the prop shaft, put the battery in, and turn the key and go. That's pretty much it except for the factory hourly maintenence issues which are also minimal. At the end of a salt water cruise I hook the garden hose up to the motor and flush it out easily without running the motor.