Newbie here...long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'm doing some
research for my first boat for my family with two small kids (ages 6 & 2).
Pretty much have my choices narrowed to a 17--19 ft bowrider, I/O, will be
confined to inland lakes. I realize there's a pretty noticible power
difference between the 4 & 6 cylinders, and also realize there's a
difference in fuel consumption. At $3/gallon, I'd be lying if I wasn't
concerned. I'm stuck between the fuel economy difference and the prospect
that we will get bored with the limited power of a 4 cyl. as my kids grow
up. I'm looking at getting a newer model that I probably will keep for
several years. Towing & weight are also potential issues, because I don't
want to have to buy a vehicle with a V8.

What I'm wondering is if someone in a similar situation is going through the
same debate, and what is your thought process behind your decision? Did
anyone get a 4 cyl and wish they had gotten the 6, or vice versa?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike in NC

I have never heard of someone complaining about to much horsepower

"Rick" wrote in message
...
I have never heard of someone complaining about to much horsepower


I agree. And the fuel savings, if any, of a 4 cyl. vs the 6 cyl. will be
small compared to the frustration of not being able to pull a couple of
skiers or tubes as your kids get older.

RCE

Christine wrote:
Newbie here...long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'm doing some
research for my first boat for my family with two small kids (ages 6 & 2).
Pretty much have my choices narrowed to a 17--19 ft bowrider, I/O, will be
confined to inland lakes. I realize there's a pretty noticible power
difference between the 4 & 6 cylinders, and also realize there's a
difference in fuel consumption. At $3/gallon, I'd be lying if I wasn't
concerned. I'm stuck between the fuel economy difference and the prospect
that we will get bored with the limited power of a 4 cyl. as my kids grow
up. I'm looking at getting a newer model that I probably will keep for
several years. Towing & weight are also potential issues, because I don't
want to have to buy a vehicle with a V8.

What I'm wondering is if someone in a similar situation is going through the
same debate, and what is your thought process behind your decision? Did
anyone get a 4 cyl and wish they had gotten the 6, or vice versa?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike in NC



Mike,
Everyone who has purchased a 4 cyl has wished they had gotten a 6 or 8.

Have you ever considered buying a sailboat and not worrying about the
performance of the kicker engine?

--
Reggie

That's my story and I am sticking to it.

"Christine" wrote in message news:UAr7g.1056

Newbie here...long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'm doing some
research for my first boat for my family with two small kids (ages 6 & 2).
Pretty much have my choices narrowed to a 17--19 ft bowrider, I/O, will be
confined to inland lakes. I realize there's a pretty noticible power
difference between the 4 & 6 cylinders, and also realize there's a
difference in fuel consumption. At $3/gallon, I'd be lying if I wasn't
concerned. I'm stuck between the fuel economy difference and the prospect
that we will get bored with the limited power of a 4 cyl. as my kids grow
up. I'm looking at getting a newer model that I probably will keep for
several years. Towing & weight are also potential issues, because I don't
want to have to buy a vehicle with a V8.

Lots of negatives here, but I'll leave to you the question as to whether you
can basically afford this. Having said that:----

A) Your kids won't be small much longer. Get the 19ft.

B) The marginal cost of the additional HP is not that great in the context
of a boat purchase in general, but the HP will be essential as the kids get
bigger and approach adult size. Get the 6 cyl.

You will want to push the 4 beyond it's "sweet spot" which may use more
fuel than the 6 at cruise speed anyway and it will definately wear out
sooner and have more problems. Also, remember boats are expensive to
buy (Sales tax, adding the toys, etc) Never plan on upgrading in a year
or two, get something that you will be happy with for 5 years +. Hull
shape and age of the engine will also have a lot to do with fuel
economy. The newer engines are much more fuel efficient.




John Gaquin wrote:

"Christine" wrote in message news:UAr7g.1056


Newbie here...long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'm doing some
research for my first boat for my family with two small kids (ages 6 & 2).
Pretty much have my choices narrowed to a 17--19 ft bowrider, I/O, will be
confined to inland lakes. I realize there's a pretty noticible power
difference between the 4 & 6 cylinders, and also realize there's a
difference in fuel consumption. At $3/gallon, I'd be lying if I wasn't
concerned. I'm stuck between the fuel economy difference and the prospect
that we will get bored with the limited power of a 4 cyl. as my kids grow
up. I'm looking at getting a newer model that I probably will keep for
several years. Towing & weight are also potential issues, because I don't
want to have to buy a vehicle with a V8.


Lots of negatives here, but I'll leave to you the question as to whether you
can basically afford this. Having said that:----

A) Your kids won't be small much longer. Get the 19ft.

B) The marginal cost of the additional HP is not that great in the context
of a boat purchase in general, but the HP will be essential as the kids get
bigger and approach adult size. Get the 6 cyl.

"RCE" wrote in message
...

"Rick" wrote in message
...
I have never heard of someone complaining about to much horsepower


I agree. And the fuel savings, if any, of a 4 cyl. vs the 6 cyl. will be
small compared to the frustration of not being able to pull a couple of
skiers or tubes as your kids get older.

RCE


I third that! ;-)

We run with a 4.3L V6 in our 20 foot runabout. The boat hits close to 50
mph WOT and is rated to pull 2 skiers.

It is nice having the power when you need it. The larger engine will also
help with the resale value.

Go with the 19 footer with the V6. ;-)

Outboard
G

"Christine" wrote in message
k.net...
Newbie here...long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'm doing some
research for my first boat for my family with two small kids (ages 6 & 2).
Pretty much have my choices narrowed to a 17--19 ft bowrider, I/O, will be
confined to inland lakes. I realize there's a pretty noticible power
difference between the 4 & 6 cylinders, and also realize there's a
difference in fuel consumption. At $3/gallon, I'd be lying if I wasn't
concerned. I'm stuck between the fuel economy difference and the prospect
that we will get bored with the limited power of a 4 cyl. as my kids grow
up. I'm looking at getting a newer model that I probably will keep for
several years. Towing & weight are also potential issues, because I don't
want to have to buy a vehicle with a V8.

What I'm wondering is if someone in a similar situation is going through
the
same debate, and what is your thought process behind your decision? Did
anyone get a 4 cyl and wish they had gotten the 6, or vice versa?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike in NC

"Christine" wrote in message
k.net...
Newbie here...long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'm doing some
research for my first boat for my family with two small kids (ages 6 & 2).
Pretty much have my choices narrowed to a 17--19 ft bowrider, I/O, will be
confined to inland lakes. I realize there's a pretty noticible power
difference between the 4 & 6 cylinders, and also realize there's a
difference in fuel consumption. At $3/gallon, I'd be lying if I wasn't
concerned. I'm stuck between the fuel economy difference and the prospect
that we will get bored with the limited power of a 4 cyl. as my kids grow
up. I'm looking at getting a newer model that I probably will keep for
several years. Towing & weight are also potential issues, because I don't
want to have to buy a vehicle with a V8.

What I'm wondering is if someone in a similar situation is going through
the
same debate, and what is your thought process behind your decision? Did
anyone get a 4 cyl and wish they had gotten the 6, or vice versa?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike in NC




What vehicle do you intend to tow with?

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 07 May 2006 16:12:12 -0400 in rec.boats, Reginald P. Smithers
penned the following thoughts:


Everyone who has purchased a 4 cyl has wished they had gotten a 6 or 8.


Nah... not really. I had a 19' bowrider with the old Chevy Iron Duke
and it performed admirably.


Had one of those in 1984 Pontiac Fiero. Excellent engine, but the worst
piece of junk car I've ever owned.
Actually the true "Iron Duke" 4 banger was a Pontiac engine, but was used in
many GM cars including Camaros and Chevy S-10s in the 80's.

RCE