350 mag enough for a 23' midcabin?

[Rondog4405]

Looking at a boat .. Fits all my needs except in the power dept. Only has a 350 mag . my initial thoughts are its gotta be way underpowered for a 23' midcabin.. What do u guys think? Not trying to be racing at all down the lake but would like to have enough balls to get up and go. The boat will most likely be loaded down most the time with the family. Thanks

 

[92562]

Not enough power IMO. Loaded down the 350 will be straining all the time. If it has a Bravo 3 it might be OK but as they say, there's no substitute for cubic inches!

 

[Done-it-again]

^^^ Agree, you'll want more after a season as well.

 

[RodnJen]

Depends on the builder and weight of the boat. A 23 Essex, not enough. A 23 Cobra, probably fine but you will notice the load. I have the 6.2 mpi in a 21 Essex. It does just fine with 5 plus an ice chest. If you have 7-8 people and stuff, you notice it. That being said, I wouldn't trade my setup for anything. I does all things well, not one thing great.

 

[fat rat]

Take it for a test ride and see what it'll do. I do agree with 92562 on the drive.

 

[farmo83]

Not enough IMO. Especially if your going to be pulling kids skiing, tubing etc and have the boat loaded down with people. Bravo 3 might make it work but I would get a big block.

My uncle always told me that you don't need a boat that's overpowered but you dam sure don't want one that's underpowered. As time goes on I'm a firm believer in that statement.

 

[HALLETT BOY]

If you got it for a great price , you could always Whipple it later . Stay low on the boost and it will go a long time .

 

[Runs2rch]

If the price is right run it, and swap in a take out 496 mag or ho down the road.

As is probably be okay propped right. 50-55 mph top end.

 

[Runs2rch]

If you got it for a great price , you could always Whipple it later . Stay low on the boost and it will go a long time .

The price of the whipple will be more than a complete motor swap. Also 5 psi won't be enough of a power gain for the money spent.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I have a 23 ft ultra with a 496 mag. I have had 10 people in my boat and I could barely get it to plane, this is even with trim tabs. Usually I’ll have 4-6 people plus ice chest and what not and I notice a big difference with that from when it’s just me and my wife. Go big block, 496 mag is plenty. You don’t even need the ho for a 23 ft boat

 

[Done-it-again]

The price of the whipple will be more than a complete motor swap. Also 5 psi won't be enough of a power gain for the money spent.

You think? What's an average cost swapping motors? (not including the motor cost)

 

[Rondog4405]

Yeah thats what i was figuring.. My boat is always packed to the gills in my lil 21' now and my 350 is struggling to push 50 mph . so a bigger heavier boat with the same weight load in it can only make it worse. Dammit..back to the drawing board.. Lol

 

[RiverDave]

Take it for a test ride and see what it'll do. I do agree with 92562 on the drive.

Pretty much. Everyone is so quick to say it’s not enough, but go drive one! You might be impressed!

 

[beaverretriever]

I had a 6.2MPI in my 23XS and it was great! But not sure about a 350. Might work, may not. I ran around 60 all day and used barely any fuel. Loved the engine.

 

[Done-it-again]

What's your budget?

 

[Englewood]

I owned an Ultra 23xs with a 350mpi. It was one of the best boats ive owned. It rode well, pulled skiers/tubers, was good on gas, and kept on ticking.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

What 23 foot boat?

I have a 23 foot Cobra (same as 23XS) with a 6.2. The power is fine, it runs fine. It will do 64-65 with low fuel and 2 people. It will do 58-60 with 5 adults. The added weight of the big block really reduces the ~50 HP gain of the non HO big block. Those guys seem to run 3-4 mph faster depending on load with a bit more midrange punch. I get about 1/3 better fuel economy.

We had this same thread last year.. McGruff or something bought an Ultra 23xs with a 350 Mag.

 

[Classic Daycruiser]

All around great motor. I have a stock 1985 350/alpha combo in my day cruiser, 260 hp carb, never rebuilt with 980 hours.

When I first bought the boat, it ran 62mph all day. Today it runs 58mph, and pops up on plane quick. When I'm loaded down with passengers, I never open up the throttle much pass 30 mph, knowing I have a huge amount of responsibility sitting in the boat.

The best thing's about the small block is economy. Insurance is affordable, fuel is about half that used in the typical big block, and maintenance is typical once every 50-100 hours(oil change).

 

[fishing fool]

Have you tried a different prop?????











This is what you will have to do with a boat load of people

 

[Rondog4405]

I owned an Ultra 23xs with a 350mpi. It was one of the best boats ive owned. It rode well, pulled skiers/tubers, was good on gas, and kept on ticking. View attachment 616864

You had the 5.7 in this boat?

 

[Rondog4405]

Have you tried a different prop?????

The boat currently has a 4 blade.









This is what you will have to do with a boat load of people

 

[Rondog4405]

What's your budget?[/QUOTE Looking to stay under 25k

 

[fishing fool]

I'm talking the pitch. If it has a bravo 24 you more then likely have to go to a 22 or even a 20 to get up on plane. Better bottom end but no top end.

 

[SoCalDave]

My 95 210 has a carbed 5.7 and does fine with 2-3 peeps on board.
Of course that isn't very often as normally have 4 adults, 2 kids, dog, large ice chest, chairs, tables, canopy, food, kitchen sink, etc and it struggles to get on plane with a 4 blade 21 pitch.
I need to step down to a 5 blade 19 pitch as I only cruise (30-35) with family aboard.
A tank of petro will take me from damn to damn (Lake Mohave) and run the river as well.

 

[Rondog4405]

I'm talking the pitch. If it has a bravo 24 you more then likely have to go to a 22 or even a 20 to get up on plane. Better bottom end but no top end.

Not sure of the pitch. Havent seen it in person yet.

 

[Rondog4405]

My 95 210 has a carbed 5.7 and does fine with 2-3 peeps on board.
Of course that isn't very often as normally have 4 adults, 2 kids, dog, large ice chest, chairs, tables, canopy, food, kitchen sink, etc and it struggles to get on plane with a 4 blade 21 pitch.
I need to step down to a 5 blade 19 pitch as I only cruise (30-35) with family aboard.
A tank of petro will take me from damn to damn (Lake Mohave) and run the river as well.

Ha ha.. Sounds like my crew.. Wife ..3 kids..sister , her husband.. Brother.. All their damm backpacks and gear. I really need a fn yacht now that i think of it! Lol

 

[Englewood]

You had the 5.7 in this boat?

Yep, it never skipped a beat. It planed fast and towed very well. All around great boat.

 

[FreeBird236]

I had a 220 Eliminator with a 350 Mag which is as big as some company's 23's and it ran great. Great on fuel and ran 60 with a 22 BI 4 blade, with 4 people fuel and beer.

 

[Rondog4405]

I'm talking the pitch. If it has a bravo 24 you more then likely have to go to a 22 or even a 20 to get up on plane. Better bottom end but no top end.

He said he has a 22 pitch 5 blade. Told me all loaded down he can get it up to 50mph max. Sound about right or a bit slow? Was hoping for close to 60

 

[milkmoney]

He said he has a 22 pitch 5 blade. Told me all loaded down he can get it up to 50mph max. Sound about right or a bit slow? Was hoping for close to 60

Did u put up pic of said boat.
So my ? Is , u like the boat a lot and it fits ur needs and price, if true

You would pass on going 10 mph slower. And actually how often do you run top speed?

Jus trying to see the other side [emoji202] [emoji106]

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[CobraDave]

How much for the boat?


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[Rondog4405]

Did u put up pic of said boat.
So my ? Is , u like the boat a lot and it fits ur needs and price, if true

You would pass on going 10 mph slower. And actually how often do you run top speed?

Jus trying to see the other side [emoji202] [emoji106]

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Ur probably right. Only thing holding me back is that i have the same engine in my current boat and i see how it struggles a bit in my 21 ft ultra with a shitload of people in it . just worried with a 23ft now it will be a pig. I really dont try to race around much though.

 

[hallett21]

He said he has a 22 pitch 5 blade. Told me all loaded down he can get it up to 50mph max. Sound about right or a bit slow? Was hoping for close to 60

That could be setup/prop issue too. If you carried a 19 pitch 5 blade for the hot days that you're loaded heavy and pulling kids you'd be fine. Might only top out at 50-55.

Then try a 22 pitch 3-4 blade for a "fast prop".




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[Rondog4405]

How much for the boat?
04 23' lightning 260 hours. 17k

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[milkmoney]

I would pass then. [emoji202]

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[Rondog4405]

That could be setup/prop issue too. If you carried a 19 pitch 5 blade for the hot days that you're loaded heavy and pulling kids you'd be fine. Might only top out at 50-55.

Then try a 22 pitch 3-4 blade for a "fast prop".

Thanks. Shit id just leave the 19 pitch on full time. Cant remember the last trip that i didnt have a fully loaded boat. Lmao!


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[fishing fool]

Ur probably right. Only thing holding me back is that i have the same engine in my current boat and i see how it struggles a bit in my 21 ft ultra with a shitload of people in it . just worried with a 23ft now it will be a pig. I really dont try to race around much though.

What prop do you have in our 21'? You know the motor it sounds like.... a good prop can make just about any motor work for what you want it to do

 

[Runs2rch]

You think? What's an average cost swapping motors? (not including the motor cost)

The kit is 7500ish plus install. Take out motor with 200ish hrs is 5-7500ish plus install. The complete motor is super easy. The whipple is easy enough, but no replacement for those cubes.

 

[ductape1000]

We run a production boat with a Volvo 5.7 with the duo-prop, all of 280hp in a 24' heavy pig. The bimini is always up and with the wind at our backs, it's all of a 47mph boat. The key for us is that we aren't in a hurry, we like to enjoy the ride and the company. On the rare occasion more speed would be nice, but on those days we just jump in someone else's boat...

That is enough engine if you are looking for a cruiser. If you want a runner, you need to go bigger inches and more fuel.

 

[Rondog4405]

What prop do you have in our 21'? You know the motor it sounds like.... a good prop can make just about any motor work for what you want it to do

22 4blade. I need a 19 hah?

 

[hallett21]

22 4blade. I need a 19 hah?

You hit the red line with that prop


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[CobraDave]

I would think you have the best info having the same motor. if you don’t think you would be happy with it you are probably right. I say upgrade


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[Rondog4405]

You hit the red line with that prop


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Ive never pushed it passed 4200 rpms. . i hate even going passed 4000. I rarely run that hard. At 4200 im at like 48mph. Fully loaded . 7 heads and gear n fuel

 

[Rondog4405]

I would think you have the best info having the same motor. if you don’t think you would be happy with it you are probably right. I say upgrade

I might be overthinking the whole deal. Hell i could prob jump in that thing and it will feel like a million bucks not getting beat up in the heavy chop compared to my 21' .. Absolutely fall in love. Lol.
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[milkmoney]

I could sell ya a 21 with a 500 with enough power to keep u happy [emoji106] [emoji202]

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[hallett21]

Ive never pushed it passed 4200 rpms. . i hate even going passed 4000. I rarely run that hard. At 4200 im at like 48mph. Fully loaded . 7 heads and gear n fuel

Well you wanna prop so that you get the full power band. I dont know the redline on that motor but you wanna be setup to just barely hit the redline.


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[Rondog4405]

I could sell ya a 21 with a 500 with enough power to keep u happy [emoji106] [emoji202]

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If its a lavey xts. Sure! Otherwise the goal is to go a bit bigger for the fam bam

 

[milkmoney]

If its a lavey xts. Sure! Otherwise the goal is to go a bit bigger for the fam bam

No sir , it's not a lavey xts[emoji202]

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[Rondog4405]

Well you wanna prop so that you get the full power band. I dont know the redline on that motor but you wanna be setup to just barely hit the redline.

So u think a 19 5 blade is the way to go then?
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[Trash]

It really depends on the hull design, weight and beam. The same 350 in one boat might do 58-60 and in another hull it might only do 50. Prop it for the power band of the motor and power loading for the hull. I tend to prefer props on the the side of being underpropp'ed as the overall performance is much more fun. IF I'm only going for long range cruising I prop up.