Not sure why we're crossposting to re.crafts.metalworking so I trimmed
it. Feel free to post there again if you think we should though.

Tim wrote:
Wow, a 3-53 in a boat"? 159 cubic inches!

Bob wrote:
Yep, they used to be pretty common main engines in small workboats and
utility craft, now mostly used for deck engines and gen sets. The
marine engine configuration produces just over 100 hp naturally
aspirated.

Tim:
Interesting. I know the old 6-71 "jimmy" was a 426 CID and was rated
at 238 hp in a standard (not marine) configuration. So I'm amazed that
the little 3-53 can obtain 100hp.

I was in charge of a 35' Bruno-Stillman for a number of years so I'm
fairly familiar with a Detroit 4-53. It was a 212 cu in, 4 cylinder,
2 stroke, 140hp, with a blower. It could cruise on semi-plane at about
11-12 knots. As a club Committee Boat, it had to be idiot proof and it
was definitely that. We had no serious problems with it from the time
it was new in '77 until we lost it in Katrina in '05.

Rick