4.3 in barrelback 20

[Wefisurf]

Just want to know how this boat will perform with a 4.3lt vortex mercruiser in a 20' version of this boat.
I have her all ready just need to drop on power..
Is it worth spending the extra on a v8?

Thanks for any input:)

[Roberta]

I think the 4.3 is plenty for this boat. They are not designed for great speeds. Prop it for power and about 35-40 mph and you will be happy. Higher speeds in flat bottom boats doesn't equate to a very comfy ride.

Roberta

[Bill Edmundson]

125-150 HP will get your boat to about 40 MPH. It will take twice that to get to 50 MPH.

Roberta said, it's not comfortable running that fast. This design was not meant for that kind of speed.

Bill

[Wefisurf]

Thanks so much. Exactly what I needed to hear.

[hoodman]

Your boat looks fantastic by the way!

[Wefisurf]

Pics

[garrech]

Very nice!

[alycat]

Beautiful, you all are making rethink my idea of a v-8. My thought was just cause you have it doesn't mean you have to use all the hp/torque. The sound of a v8 is well a v8

[billy c]

Beautiful, you all are making rethink my idea of a v-8. My thought was just cause you have it doesn't mean you have to use all the hp/torque. The sound of a v8 is well a v8

my thoughts on this hull design built at 23' after running it for 7 New England seasons in many conditions on Lake Winnipseaukee
i'd rather have the power of the small block 8. if the hull at 20' handles anything like the Belle Isle, it is a smooth running design. with the midship placement of the engine, it can run mid forties in good conditions. on a smooth lake i can run wide open and the hull is smooth and stable on a 13x13 prop running about 52 top end. With moderate chop, obviously there is not the deep vee hull type performance and you will learn how to throttle as you gain experience, (or take out your cruiser) but always nice to have the power at your fingertips to lift the bow out of the chop with a crowd aboard. ...and the sound of the V8 is nice too
-Billy

[Wefisurf]

Has anyone install this similar engine (4.3 mercruiser)in this size boat? I'm looking for a proper size I'm assuming 12 x 13 ?
Thanks:)

[Wefisurf]

3 blade or 4 as well?

[Hercdrvr]

He's my 2 cents on this one. I too am building a Barrel Back and know full well what kind of ride quality to expect from its flat bottom and the joys of wood boating are from 20-30mph. With all that said....when the lake is calm and my friends in there big dumb plastic boat throttle up to outrun the my wood cruiser, no no, Ill be right there at 45 mph. Purely ego driven.

I bought a doner ski boat for the 351 Ford engine and transmission. Best part of our discussion is, whatever you do is correct, it's your boat.
Matt B

[Jimbob]

If you are thinking about a new 4.3, they are in short supply. I got the last one from michigan motorz last month. They tell me that from now on, they will only come with catalytic converters upping the price $6000 to $7000. I chose the 4.3 because I wanted to avoid installation problems, and the 220hp is plenty for the barrelback I am building.
Jim

[Wefisurf]

Anybody have any insight on proper size ?

[Bill Edmundson]

Wefisurf

What is the WOT rpm? And what gear ratio? With that I can make guess at the prop.

Bill