200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

[danheck7]

any input on real world use in the lakes as far as using tubes and maybe a bit of ski or wakeboarding. Does the 4.3 have enough juice to allow me to do most water sports. Boat is a 18-6 wellcraft bowrider 1991. Other choice is a 1989 reinell with the 350. both have merc outdrives, both seem to be well maintained. may have an occational trip in the ocean. thanks for any input.

[Hansolo99]

If I had a choice I would go with a 350. I have a 4.3 V6 now and do water sports, but really it's just a run-a-bout. Especially for ocean use a 350 would be my first choice.........

[1CoeRay77]

Yep, go with the 350. Its nice to have the power if you need it.

[mnypitboat]

My Father and I both have 21ft bowriders, and he has a 4.3, I have a 5.7. His boat barely gets out of the water with a tube and a few people in the boat. Mine jumps right out.

[bowler]

I have a 3.0 and it's adequate but my next boat will have more power for sure. I think the general consensus round here (and with good cause) is to get as much as possible. As someone said, you never complain about having too much power!

[mnypitboat]

I have a 3.0 and it's adequate but my next boat will have more power for sure. I think the general consensus round here (and with good cause) is to get as much as possible. As someone said, you never complain about having too much power!

I have found that the fuel consumption is not that much worse in the V8 compared to the V6 too. In fact, when towing, the V8 actually seems to use less.

[truckermatt]

my boat is very similar to the wellcraft your looking at (see sig) i have the v-6 and enjoy it. any bigger of a boat and i would neet a v-8. i do skiing and tubing with 6 people on board and it gets on plane... and i can go for 7 hours of tubing/skiing and only use 18 gallons of gas..... about 4 hours of "run" time tho...

[Bond-o]

Ayuh,... The 4.3l is Ok in an 18'er,...
A 305 in a 20'er,...
Or a 350 in anything bigger...

[danheck7]

Thank you all very much. You all are awesome to take the time to fill us newbies in. Really looking forward to getting on the water again. It has been 20 years since i had a boat and that was a 35hp fishing boat. Hoping to contribute soon. I am hoping to go look at the reinell (350) this week, i looked at the wellcraft and except for the interior needing redone it was a cool boat. The reinell however comes with more goodies and the 350. Hope to be posting pics of new boat soon, whatever it is

[spudshaft]

Get the v-8 if you can, for the sound if nothing else. Both are solid motors though

[commander315]

I have twin 260hp 5.7 V-8s in my boat and they are great engines. Go with the 350. ITs better to have a little more power than necessary then not enough

[Challenger84]

In America we say Bigger is Better!
You know what to do.