4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

WHICH IS BETTER?

Were looking at boats between 18.5' and 20'. Trying to decide how big of engine we need...
We figure about 75% of the time a 4.3 will do just fine becuase only 3-5 people will be in the boat. Occasionally, we might have 6-8. Will a 4.3 lack enough power to pull a wakeboarder out of the water with 1100lbs in the boat?
Is it worth it to pay more + pay for the greater fuel consumption of a 5.0L for the few times each year it will really be needed.
Need some opinions from experienced boaters, this will be our first.

Thanks.
-CUB3-

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

6-8 people on a 21ft boat would probably get you pulled over by the police.
Goo with the smaller motor. Jerry

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

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I?d opt for the V8. Comparing fuel consumption on like hulls, the larger engine actually does better at cruising speed and only burns a little more a WOT. You?ll have a lot more ump out of the hole, especially with a boatload of friends and extra power on tap when needed. I?ve never heard anyone say, ?This darn boat just has more power than I need.? ?I wish I?d have bought a smaller engine.? Paying more will only hurt for a second when you sign the contract, but you?ll enjoy the benefits for years.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_d...&Section=mercruiserChecks&mercV6=14&mercV8=15

http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_d...&Section=mercruiserChecks&mercV6=14&mercV8=15

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

"4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

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WHICH IS BETTER?"

The 5.0 at 260 HP, obviously. One it's larger displacement so it has both more horsepower and more torque. And secondly, it's fuel injected, and a 190hp 4.3 is not.
I'll be a little surprised if you can get a 260hp V8 in a 19' boat, though. At least not "budget brand boats".

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

My old Searay was repowered with a 4.3 (170hp). She's a very heavy 19'er - built like a M60 tank. It performs the same at capacity as it does with just me save a little slower out of the hole. Tabs would probably help as would a slightly flatter prop. But, I'm happy with it. I've been skiing and tubing with 5 people - no problem. I pull 2 tubers at once often although they're kids - no performance problems. Yeah, a V8 is gonna be better. But like you, the 4.3 is plenty all other times. My best friend has been try to talk me into a V8 for years. True, a 305 will only burn a little more, but that's still $10.00 more an hour. I'm a public servant, so my pockets go only so deep. Gotta save where I can. I'd bet most of the replies are going to recommend the 305. I think in the end, you'll be happy either way you go.

There was another recent post about how fast your 4.3 goes. Check it out. Some of the boats claim 50 mph. Everyone seemed very happy with their 4.3.
They use their boats for everything. Some had posted pics which were impressive, one showed very little boat in the water.

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

jerryjerry05 said:

6-8 people on a 21ft boat would probably get you pulled over by the police.
Goo with the smaller motor. Jerry

Click to expand...

????????????? Not sure what this means.........but we often have 8 in our 19' bowrider. family plus a few friends and you're at 6-9 people. It's fine for a few hours of water fun! We do it all the time.

18.5' to 20' mat be the difference in wanting a 5.0L vs. the 4.3. Not only is the 20' enough heavier, you also will be able to pack it with more stuff and people so it may want a V8.

I'd say it depends on if you go smaller or bigger in boat size.

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

My 2000 21ft Sundeck Sea Ray with a 5.0L is rated for 8-10 people. Open deck boats seem to have a higher capacity due to the seating arrangements my guess.

Usually it is me, my wife and our dog so no weight issues, but when family and freinds show up I have not had to draw straws on who goes out and who stays home !. We were even able to pull a tube with a 280lb person. so everyone has some fun.

Nice to have the flexibility when you need it. Ike

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

IMO, get the bigger engine. Sure, it uses more fuel at WOT, but at any given speed under that, the bigger engine has to work "less hard" to achieve that given speed. Plus, you have the extra power "on tap". I've found that I don't use hardly any more fuel in my 5.0 vs. my friend's 4.3 in a day of normal boating.

My $.02
Erik

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

mthieme said:

Some had posted pics which were impressive, one showed very little boat in the water.

Click to expand...

Was that me?......



Maybe its a Baja thing, but my 4.3 hauls butt!

To the OP: I think a 4.3 is just about perfect. Good on gas (I recently got 4 mpg on a 142 mile trip) and it runs well into the 50+ mph range, plus it can pull a slalom skier out of the water without much effort.

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

Cube21 - you have 2 more option between the two engines you listed:
4.3MPI and the 5.0carb both rated at 220hp. Just something else to consider when you start looking at prices.

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

im in the same "boat" as you are, ive made up my mind im going with the v8

Re: 4.3l (190) Vs. 5.0l (260)

and i am selling my 20'6' with 5.0 and wanting to buy 21' with 5.7