200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

danheck7

Cadet
Joined
Jun 25, 2010
Messages
20
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

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 27, 2009
Messages
302
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

Cadet
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
15
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

mnypitboat

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 31, 2010
Messages
1,091
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
277
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 31, 2010
Messages
1,091
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
384
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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...
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,465
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

danheck7

Cadet
Joined
Jun 25, 2010
Messages
20
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
137
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

commander315

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 31, 2010
Messages
286
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
341
Re: 200hp v6 or 260hp v8 inboard /outboard

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