Fuel Economy vs. Hp

(mads0113) · (mads0113) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 06-14-2007, 11:02 AM

I am looking at getting a used boat and considering the different size engines. Having spent a lot of time riding behind a 320 hp boat I personally feel that is plenty. But as I look at different used boats some of them have 350 up to 400 hp. The question I have then is, how much fuel economy is lost with the increased horsepower? And is the added hp worth it?

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 06-14-2007, 11:24 AM

Look at cubic inches, instead. The 350 block's fuel economy are all very close. The big blocks suck more gas.

My 350 hp and my 315 hp 350 block had about the same consumption rate. The 8.1L is really thirsty.

(mac_attack) · (mac_attack) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 06-14-2007, 11:55 AM

What about a sacked out boat? Since the smaller engine will have to struggle more would the gas consumption be more or less than the big block that will struggle less? Not trying to hijack but thought it was one thing to consider.

(bstroop)

Best bet IMO is a smaller boat with 320-330hp. Best of both worlds..........great power and economy. I could ride all day on 26 gallons in my prostar 205, while it took 55 gallons to do so on my bud's 23 footer. both had 330hp EFI's.