Good Upgrade?

gixxerjim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
171
Thinking of going from a '88 18ft Seville Bowrider 3.0L to a cosmetically identical 89 22' with a 4.3L. Same color same seats same everything but dimensions and motor. What is the seating capacity on the 22'? My 18' is only 6 persons, we have 3 young boys. Likely will cost me $300-$500 to upgrade. I really like the 18 now but know I will need something bigger in the next couple years at most and would like a little more toughness in the waves.

My van tows the 18 fine, will the increase to a 21 (still single axle trailer) be too much for a 240 hp minivan rated at 3500lbs?

How much worse fuel economy can I expect if I run similar speeds with the 4.3 vs 3.0?
 

gixxerjim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
171
Re: Good Upgrade?

sorry it's a change from a 18 to a 21 footer...
 

Utahboatnut

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
785
Re: Good Upgrade?

I would test drive the boat first and see how you like it, the 4.3 is a great motor but in a 21 footer it may be slightly underpowered. I know alot will say I'm crazy but drive it for yourself to verify its what you want. My 20' crownline has a 5.7 V8 and I love the power for watersports it doesn't get very good mileage but a 21footer with a 4.3 thats working hard ALL the time may not see much better results either. As you already know sea rays are not the lightest boats out there so that with the possibility to carry more fuel, gear, people, you are getting up there for a carbed 4.3.
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: Good Upgrade?

You're going to need to factor in a new tow vehicle and the increased cost of running that new tow vehicle.
 

gixxerjim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
171
Re: Good Upgrade?

Thanks for the input guys, I am going to hang onto my 18 for now. Nothing wrong with it and with my kids age 8,5,4 we don't need more boat quite yet.

Jim
 
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