Gene Kearns wrote:


Given a particular boat, it takes X amount of horsepower to go 34 MPH.
You might, therefore, run fewer RPMs in a larger motor to produce that
needed X amount of horsepower. That might give you a bit more engine
longevity, but is not likely to show any appreciable change in fuel
consumption. The argument there is whether or not the larger engine is
more efficient at the lower RPM than the smaller is at higher RPM....
there is no one correct answer.... and no huge difference.

You also have to consider the added weight of a larger engine.


The only sure thing, here, is that you will pay more per horsepower
generated.. in both fuel and upkeep.... (especially if you opt for a
larger boat, too) as it sounds like you are one of those "full
throttle" boaters.... and you can expect fuel consumption to
essentially double if you are doubling the horsepower required to
perform the task.

Not sure about the "upkeep". I would bet maintenance is cheaper on a small
block Chevy I/O. Sure there's more oil, but down the road parts should cost
less and the durability should be better. (Been there, done that, with the
small I/O!)


I will point out that the 2.3 is small even by Bayliner Standards....
I don't think they have anything less than 3.0L, today.

Do you really need to go 34 MPH?

34 MPH is decent unless you are dragging a kid on a toobe (is that right Clams?)
or hauling 5 people around. He didn't say how big this BL Capri is, but even at
17'-18' you are 100% right, 2.3L is not enough. Probably was a $8995.00 boat
show special!

Dan