Merc cruiser 3.0 L 135 HP questions

[nicemustang]

Can anyone give me some help/advice on this engine? 135 HP in a new (2004+) open bow 8 person boat. Is that enough power? 6 people in the boat, all gear, fishing stuff, etc, and still have enough power to pull a tuber or skier? Or should I be looking for the 4.3 L?

BTW - I can't believe how cheap boats are in the states!

[Waxy]

My advice, avoid that little 4 banger. A fully loaded boat like you described will be a DOG with a 3.0L.

Not only will the 4.3L V6 make for a way nicer boat by providing enough power, but it's actually better on fuel in my experience too. It doesn't have to be constantly working as hard as the little 3.0L.

Waxy

[Grizzled]

You would make a mistake buying the 3.0l...

[nicemustang]

Yeah figured as much. Good thing I asked. What happens if you go up to a 5.0L V8? Overkill and just waste fuel?

[Waxy]

Nope, that would be even better assuming we're talking about a boat that's similar in size and weight, 17-18'. As a rule, any time you can use less throttle to get the desired speed and acceleration, and therefore decrease the load on the engine, you're going to use less fuel.

The 5.0L on a 20' boat would be underpowered.

It's just like buying outboards, the boat will generally come from the dealer underpowered to try and keep the price down. If you're buying, try to max out the HP, or get as close as you can. It's even more important with I/O's IMHO, because of the weight penalty they have compared to outboards. An underpowered I/O is a nightmare and will end up being a hog on fuel.

Those 5.0L's are good engines. I've never run one a Volvo, but they seem to have a really good reputation.

Waxy

[Grizzled]

Both have good reputations...merc has a bigger market share and more cert techs around..something to think about when your off on holidays and encounter problems( you will likely find a merc technician before a volvo one) imo...IE...BASS PRO WILL ONLY WORK ON MERC'S...

[nicemustang]

Good points for sure. Well I'm looking for a new boat and the engine size is more important to me, but I don't want to spend a fortune. Until I looked on craigslist in Montana and Idaho...wow you can get so much for so so little. No duty, good exchange rate right now and you can get a 04-06 bayliner or searay (18.5 feet) with a 3.0 L for under 10K, with lots of extras. There are some 4.3L as well, so will keep looking. But a couple of 19's with 5.0L Volvos as well, nice boats!

[fishing_flower]

Are you buying new or used? Used boats are priced really nice in the BC Kootenies...check it out. We went to Castlegar to get ours.

[nicemustang]

Definitely used. Will look everywhere, has to be the right deal though.

[bowfin]

bought my 2006 crestliner 18 ft in montana 3 weeks ago i guess i should have waited exchange rate from the bank was 17% then lot better now lol come with 150 opti 9.9 merc pro kicker and 80 lb minn kota up front for 27 k canadian i think i got a pretty good deal next yr when i need new 5th wheel thats where i will be going seen so really good deals there in great falls

[BIG AL]

Have a 3L in 17.5 Bayliner. Actually the motor performs very well. Had it out at Pigeon the other day and got it up to 42 m.p.h. (according to speedo?) with 4 adults in it. Doesn't jump out of the hole, but I still have the origional prop on it. Does very well on gas. Way better then the 140 Evinrude outboard I had previously. But, that being said more power is always better.

[nicemustang]

Good point. If a guy is only going to have a 17' boat and usually only 2 people, sometimes 4 and rarely 6, maybe the 3.0 L would do if a guy finds a smokin deal?? I'm still going to look for a 18' with 4.3 L or 5.0 L though first.

[Albertacoyotecaller]

I was looking at the same engine in a Bayliner. Anyone point a guy in the right direction for a good dealer with good deals in Western Canada and/or point out what boats come with the 4.3L engine.

Thanks in advance.

Greg