Happy with twin 4.3's ??

[joe0523]

I am going to upgrade to a 27'-30' cruiser from my deck boat
And I am strongly considering a maxum 2800scr or 2900scr. I am
Looking around model years 1998-2001. I am pretty certain I
Prefer twins as opposed to a single screw and it seems most if
Not all the twins I can find are the 4.3's. I have heard mixed reviews
Regarding these motors and read several things saying to
Go with twin 5.0's if possible. However it seems none of the
Maxum's I find have the twin 5.0's, they all seem to have the twin
4.3's. I would like any input by owners of
Similar boats with the twin 4.3 set up. How is the performance/
Reliability? Any issues with these motors? I greatly
Appreciate any info you can give me, thanks!

[mmwjr]

joe0523 welcome aboard.

I had a single 4.3 in a 20 sea ray and never had any reliability issues with it. The 4.3 is basically a 5.7 with 2 less cylinders.

I am sure others with a similar set up to what you are looking at will chime in.

[biggerseagar]

It is a love them hate them situation with the 4.3 V6's. I have always been told get the biggest V8 that you can afford. Don't if bother with anything less.

Now for the other side of the coin........These V6's are great engines with plenty of get-up and go and a little bit better gas mileage and I have never had any problems what so ever stories.

Personally..... I would go with the V8's. It is always nice to have too much power and rather than not enough. Or the fact of being at WOT all the time with the V6's instead of half throttle.

I have a 2001 3000 with twin 5.0 carbs. No way would I want V6's in this 11,000 lbs boat. I wish I had 454's like they had in the early 90's but no such luck.

I would say if you are going with a 28 foot you could get by with the V6's but anything bigger look for some V8's. IMHO :-)

Roger

[Capt Al]

I've got a 2900 SCR with dual 4.3's and Alphas. They have plenty of power and the V6's get decent fuel efficiency... I have no problem getting up on plane with passengers, def go with twin screws. The boat came with aluminum props, switched to 4 blade stainless for a much better holeshot.... If you're getting a 30ft or bigger then go with at least the 5.0's or larger...

[joe0523]

Thanks for the info, I decided to pull the trigger and buy the boat!!
Pick it up in a week or so, can't wait!!

[Phillbo]

There is no replacement for displacement .. go big..

[pgp]

I have a 2000 3000scr with twin carb 4.3L and bravo drives. It gets up and goes with no problems. Cruises at 23-35mph at 3400rpm. I am about to install fuel flow meters to find out best rpm/fuel use....

[Innamorata]

I also have a 3000SCR with alpa I drives and 4.3 V6s, while not brutish, they will get her moving and cruise on plane at 20-22 knots easily. Do I wish I had 5.7 V8s? Yes I do, but a used boat comes with what the original owner ordered, and priced accordingly.

Yes I realize this is a year old thread...