I have a 4.3 in my 20' Maxum and its perfect... it will run in the 50's (lighter load) and pull a tube with 3 people on it and 4 people in the boat with out any problems... and I get great fuel mileage to boot!
I think you'll be in good shape with that engine in that boat. 4.3 is very peppy and reliable. If you need to go back in with another engine upgrade to vortec heads ('96 & newer) for 25-30 more hp
My 18 1/2 footer came with a 5.7(it wasn't an engine option, but it was shipped from the factory with it) and I feel a bigger boat would need more power.
When it comes to engines
Enough is good, More is better, and Too Much, is just Right!!!
My 18 1/2 footer came with a 5.7(it wasn't an engine option, but it was shipped from the factory with it) and I feel a bigger boat would need more power.
When it comes to engines
Enough is good, More is better, and Too Much, is just Right!!!
If an 18-1/2 foot boat with a 5.7 only feels 'adequate', may I suggest you have a serious issue with that boat... Check its weight, it may be water-logged. That boat should be able to pull low 60s... And in most cases, the weather just doesn't allow that... Small lakes, narrow rivers, maybe, but oceans and the like... Very very rarely... Most people cruise at 18 to 25 knots. A 5.7 propped for low 60s is going to have the engine running below the power band at those cruising speeds, it'll be a dog!
Chris, its a perspective thing.... most people are happy with a 19' boat and a 3.0. My experience is that those are the same people that take a week to plan a 60 mile trip. Some of us grew up drag racing and driving carts and a 383 stroker would be just about right. Jim's boat is just about right
