Need some re-power feed back?

[mrowell3]

This Winter I'am repowering my 1989 Crusader's 454's, 350hp, (7.4) 1800 hours. These engines are in a 29' Blackfin which the specs. say weighs about 1,100 pounds. I took a look at the small block Crusader Captains Choice 6.0 complete engines with MPI fuel injection. The specifications indicate 370hp rb2@gr5t 5200rpm and 390 foot pounds of torque. I know I would need new transmisions and reposition the engines because the distance to the existing shaft flange is shorter. The pair of engines and trans. would be about 700 pounds lighter. Any thoughts or facts that would indicate why these more efficient, lighter, similar power rated engines would or wouldn't be a good way to go when the time comes?

[Capt Lou]

i just sold a similar boat and toyed with the idea for 2 years about re powering. After long conversations with many different people it was my understanding that the small blocks don't have enough low end torque to get the 29 up on plane and in an efficient running speed. the weight difference is not an issue. That boat loves to have that weight down low. These boats are prime for cummins 330's. But its a big money re power. I would look for some newer 8.1 gassers or fuel injected 7.4's. good luck either way they are a great boat...

[TODDMANCHU]

I heard the same thing that the 6.0 develops all that HP above 3000rpm which wouldnt help u much.

[LurkerCharters]

Too much boat for small blocks, there is no replacement for displacement, stick with big blocks, bigger pistons= bigger explosions=more torque down low. you would have to reprop the boat too if you went to the 383 strokers.

[F/V Kelley Anne]

How many hours a year do you use the boat? Plan on keeping for 5 more years minimum? What is the budget? I would think some 250 cummins remans would easily push that boat for half the fuel than gas motors, but the intial exspense is that much greater. A bunch of vaiables to consider!

[mrowell3]

Diesel engines would great but the ROI, just dose not make seance for me. It looks like EFI Big Blocks are the way to go.

[Capt Lou]

See if you can locate a pair of 8.1's i think they stopped making them. They would probably get you a solid 25 knot cruise which IMO is a nice speed for that hull...