looking at 21ft Islanders, how much is enough power?

[77_starcraft]

I have been looking at a variety of years of the 21-ish foot islanders (202, 208, 212....). It appears that they came with different engine option limitations over the years. the newer models (2004-up) can only be had with the 260hp 5.0L, whereas the other year options were 4.3, 5.0L 350mag, 454.

is the 260hp 5.0L enough when full of gas and 4 people on board. 'Enough' to me means pull a slalom skier and break at least 55mph.

how does the older 350 mag compare to the newer 5.0L in these boats?
how about the 350 mag vs the 454. to HP rating is only 10% different, but is the extra torque make enough of a difference to justify higher fuel consumption?

thanks

 

[bomar76]

Re: looking at 21ft Islanders, how much is enough power?

A 260 HP 5.0 Islander may BARELY GPS 55 MPH empty, let alone 4 up and full of fuel.

Rule out the 4.3 and the 5.0, you will want at least the 5.7 or 454....and the added bonus of the big block will be the Bravo drive.

BTW...I own a 1994 Baja 22 Caliber TC that came to us with a stock 5.7.
In that form with 2 adults, right water conditions, etc it would top out 53 MPH GPS.

The engine in it now is a moderately reworked 5.7 and 2 up it will just touch 60 at 5,000 RPM.