Will I be underpowered

[abbi11]

I am new to the board and looking to purchase my first boat this spring. Topping my list of possibles is a 2000 Rinker 232 Cuddy. VERY nice looking boat. My concern is that it is powered with a Merc. 5.0 (carbed)rated at 220hp mated to an Alpha outdrive. Most of the time I expect to have 4 adults on board averaging between 800 and 900lbs in "people weight. In your opinion.... do you think there will be sufficient power available with this set up?<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Smitty

 

[KaGee]

Re: Will I be underpowered

Welcome to Iboats!<br />

do you think there will be sufficient power available with this set up?<br />

The short answer is yes. Spend a couple hundred more and put some Smart-Tabs on it.<br /><br />The fuel consumption of a larger or multi-engine setup may not be worth any added benefit. <br /><br />If you have $$ to burn, then buy a speed boat like a Formula or Donzi with twin 7.4's! That will "get 'er done" for sure! Will also do in your bank account!

 

[abbi11]

Re: Will I be underpowered

Thanks KaGee,<br />Nothing like a quick response to major concerns. Donzi and Formula? I wish... <br />I'm not a speed demon but would like to pull a skier or boarder once in a while. Average weight of skier would be 225 or more. We are not small people. Not fat just really muscular <br />Since I'm only looking right now... would you recommend I look for injection instead of carbed?<br />I have not formed a preference and honestly don't know if it is major concern for a boat motor.<br /><br />Smitty

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Will I be underpowered

With the "correct" prop, a 232 Cuddy is going to be a bit pokey out of the hole with a 5.0, carbureted or FI, but either engine is adequate for general cruising around. The fuel injection option on a 5.0 will only help with top speed, it makes no meaningful difference in low end torque. If you put a lower pitch prop on it, you can easiliy acheive good holeshot at the expense of reduced top speed and higher cruising RPM for a given speed. A great compromise would be a 4 blade SS prop 2-3 inches smaller in pitch than a "correct" 3 blade aluminum prop combined with tabs if it's not already equipped with them. <br /><br />I'd look for one with a 5.7 or bigger if it were for me, but I like a peppy boat.

 

[QC]

Re: Will I be underpowered

I'm with MM. I'd want that boat with a 6.2 minimum, unless all that I was gonna do is cruise. Preferably a big block, especially with large skiers and deepwater starts.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Will I be underpowered

I still don't understand the 5.0... <br /><br />A 5.7 is just different bore and stroke... why do they bother making a 5.0?<br /><br />I know in cars, the cylinder presures, driveability etc is all part of the displacement equation, but in a boat I just don't get it...<br /><br />with a carbed engine, it's a relatively easy swap later on if you decide you want a 5.7

 

[KaGee]

Re: Will I be underpowered

You'd be better served looking for something designed more towards what you want to do... i.e. skiing.

 

[QC]

Re: Will I be underpowered

Originally posted by hystat:<br /> I still don't understand the 5.0...

It's all about marketing. You can charge more for a 5.7 if you have a 5.0 in the lineup . . .

 

[abbi11]

Re: Will I be underpowered

In my thanks to KaGee I stated "would like to pull a skier or boarder once in a while." Skiing, boarding, tubing, etc... is completely secondary to cruising, dropping a line to fish once in a while, and simply dropping anchor and enjoying the company on board. Have a buddy with a ski boat if I want to do that more often. <br />With that said... it sounds like the 5.0 will do just fine for my intentions... of course those change too! <br />I won't eliminate this boat from the list but will continue to look for boats with "better" power options. <br />You have all been very helpful and I appreciate any additional responses that may come.<br /><br />Smitty

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Will I be underpowered

You'll want at least 300 horsepower in that 24-footer, especially with the extra weight of a cuddy.<br /><br />The only way for you to tell is get your 3 freinds together, fill it with gas, and take it out. Then drive one with more power. This is a big decision, get the one you want.<br /><br />Why is the guy selling? My guess is he wants more power.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Will I be underpowered

I would think the 5.0 would be underpowered for a 24' cuddy.........

 

[KaGee]

Re: Will I be underpowered

It's a 23, meaning it's actually 22.9 or there abouts! <br /><br />FREEBEE...is that You??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will I be underpowered

i agree with dd, test drive all of them and the decide which bests suits you want, needs, and wallet. remember you can add 300 lbs of gear and not realize it, which can effect performance.

 

[abbi11]

Re: Will I be underpowered

He has had the boat for 5 years. I'm guessing if he wanted more power he'd have done it long ago. Reason for selling is "financial" in nature. I completely understand those of you on the "go bigger" bandwaggon. And I tend to agree as most of you have probably been underpowered or have been in a boat that was. I have no comparison at this point and weather will definetely put a water trial on hold for a while. Difficult time of year in Ohio to trial a boat! Truly painful to only LOOK!<br /><br />Tashasdaddy, should I trust a man that doesn't think LABS rule? <br /><br />Smitty

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Will I be underpowered

KaGee----A Rinker Captiva 232 cuddy is 23 foot, 6 inches and weighs 4215 pounds dry---no gas.<br /><br />He will be pushing over 5000 pounds through the water loaded with gas and 4 people.<br /><br />That 220/Alpha is going to work very hard to plane the boat, and he is going to probably run at a higher rpm (3600 plus) than I would like to cruise at 30 mph or so.<br /><br />A sea trial is the only way to tell. They all run good on dry land.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Will I be underpowered

es----PS----my guess is 80 percent or more of the problems on this forum arise from people who purchase boats without a true sea trial.<br /><br />You are looking at a good chunk of change here.<br />Drive before you buy! Wholesale on that boat is about $14,000 in perfect condition. Unless you can get it for considerably less, you are taking a pretty big risk.<br /><br />If he is in financial trouble did he have money to maintain this vessel?

 

[abbi11]

Re: Will I be underpowered

Not that I know for sure, but it was a recent job change that lowered his income significantly. There is NO way I would EVER buy a boat without a sea trial OR complete survey and mechanical inspection. NADA resale ranges from $14,500 to $17,500 on this boat with options. Trailer was not included in that. I'm estimating the trailer at around $2000. With trailer, the asking price is slightly above the high range of NADA and is negotiable. The photos he has sent show the boat to be in great shape, but... they are only pictures. Claims boat was never left in water overnight, always garaged, and meticulously maintained. <br />He has done the general maintenance and winterizing since purchased. Oil changed regularly etc... Not being professionaly maintained only ensures that I'll have it inspected thoroughly. He welcomes all mechanics and surveyors to go over it. <br />Not all people are honest... I know that! I'm taking all the right steps before I buy. Just trying to eliminate those that won't fulfill my needs before wasting time and fuel driving all over the country.<br /><br />Smitty

 

[mkast]

Re: Will I be underpowered

Ran into a 26 footer advertised as, "With Rare twin 4 cylinder engines, real easy on gas". <br />The truth is, the boat was underpowered, either the manufacturer thought a sucker is born every minute or the person who ordered the boat like that didn't plan on every starting the engines.<br />The 23 footer loaded with four adults, fuel, skier, equipment, food and cocktales isn't going to get out of it's own way on 220hp.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will I be underpowered

e, if they have 4 legs, a wet nose and bark, and you step in it, they all rule.

 

[abbi11]

Re: Will I be underpowered

T's Dad, You are correct! And I step in it often.<br /><br />E