3 liter versus 4.3 liter?

[Cljbeck]

Hello,

We had an 18.6 foot Glastron with a 4.3 liter engine that was damaged in a storm and are shopping used boats to replace it. So far, I've seen mostly bowriders with 3 liter engines, and a number of them Bayliners in the 18 to 19 foot range. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how the power compares in that size boat with a 3 liter compared to the 4.3 liter in the Glastron we were used to.

I'm mainly concerned about skiing. We usually have 2 in the boat and one on skiis, around 140-160 lbs each, and we're wondering if we will notice a difference pulling up skiers if we go down to the 3 liter engjne.

Thanks!

 

[bruceb58]

If you had a 4.3L, you will be really disappointed with a 3.0L in the same size boat.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

X2. Power rules.

 

[roffey]

IMHO, the 4.3 is really a small 8 and if you have the option go for the EFI.

 

[oldjeep]

I'm typically the first to say that a 3.0l is fine for skiing, but if you are used to a 4.3l you would be very disappointed with the pull up.

 

[steelespike]

I think the 4.3 starts at about 175 hp. and goes up to about 220.The 3.0 is at about 120 to about 140.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The 3 liter is 2/3 the engine that the 4.3 is.

What is the budget you are looking in? The 3.0 is the base engine option for smaller boats. Bayliner is a lower end boat.

I would keep looking for a 4.3 or larger, especially if you want to ski

 

[Oshkosh1]

There's no replacement for displacement...

 

[frantically relaxing]

you might have better luck finding a cheap 5.0 V8...

 

[wrvond]

The V6 will consume about 6 GPH more than the I4; 8 GPH more if it is MPI. The load and activity you describe is well within the 3 liter's ability, but it will be working harder at a higher noise level than the six.

 

[Cljbeck]

Thanks for all of the information. To answer Scott's question, we've been looking mostly under $10,000. I did find a 1994 Regal with a 4.3 liter, but it's a 20 foot boat, so bigger than our Glastron. So I've found a bigger boat with the same engine, or the same size boat with a smaller engine!

 

[444]

The 3.0's are dogs. I drove a friend's bayliner with the 3.0, and with 3 adults on board, 2 kids on the tube the thing had a hard time. If you want to ski, forget it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks for all of the information. To answer Scott's question, we've been looking mostly under $10,000. I did find a 1994 Regal with a 4.3 liter, but it's a 20 foot boat, so bigger than our Glastron. So I've found a bigger boat with the same engine, or the same size boat with a smaller engine!

for 10k, you should be able to find a 2000 or newer 20' boat with a 5.0 V8 this time of year.

 

[southkogs]

The 3.0's are dogs. I drove a friend's bayliner with the 3.0, and with 3 adults on board, 2 kids on the tube the thing had a hard time. If you want to ski, forget it.

Some 3.0s are dogs. To be honest, mine does just fine. 19' boat ... 4 on board and one on skis and we are moving along. Not breaking any speed records, but it's not a dog in the least.

 

[lineman09]

i have a 4.3 and my wife`s cousin has the same boat I have[BL185] with the 3.0L ...big difference in power .. it would be tuff to go down to the 3.0 having driven both boats .. I would keep looking !!!

 

[enginesilo]

My 18' has a 3.0L and it's been powerful enough over the last 10 years. If I had my choice I would opt for more power every single time, but in the last 5-10+ years the smaller engines in boats in the 18-20 foot range seem to be 3.0L's where in the 1990's they were mostly 4.3's or bigger. Go test drive a 3.0L and I bet you'll know right away if you'll be happy with it or not.

 

[thumpar]

The V6 will consume about 6 GPH more than the I4; 8 GPH more if it is MPI. The load and activity you describe is well within the 3 liter's ability, but it will be working harder at a higher noise level than the six.

That is only if you use the extra power. In some cases the 4.3l will use less fuel than the 3.0l, especially in a 18-19' boat.

 

[wrvond]

That is only if you use the extra power. In some cases the 4.3l will use less fuel than the 3.0l, especially in a 18-19' boat.

Valid point. I am simply comparing published fuel consumption values for both engines at the same RPM. For any given speed, the V6 will not be working as hard as the four cylinder; this would surely result in more favorable fuel rates for the six.
Ultimately, while the four will certainly get the job done, there is such a thing as doing the job and doing the job with style.

 

[jkust]

Keep in mind that the older boat you mentioned will have lower HP than a 1996 model and later when Vortec heads/intake were used when the carbed v6 was upgraded to 190hp. The 3.0 vs 4.3 is so relative to each individual. I always opt for more verse less power but many folks are fine just getting out on the water and just don't care. The 4.3 is a huge torque upgrade vs the 3.0 aside from the 30% greater HP. My last boat was a 4.3 and at first seemed awesome and you slowly go through the process of wanting more feet and power especially as the kids grow.

 

[Cljbeck]

Thanks, everyone, for all of your input!