4.3 190 hp on 23 walkaround 3600 lbs really underpowered?

[towac78]

looking to buy a used boat. thanx

[Fire Truck Bud]

I used to run a Thompson 240 Hard Top with a 4.3 Mercruiser 210 hp and it did good and wasnt bad on fuel either.

[Big Trouble]

If I had to guess I would bet you are looking at a Trophy. I have the 1952 that weighs in at around 3500#. I would also bet which ever make, you would be a little heavier. I have the 4cyl. and think it is great. Everyone laughed at me when I purchased it, told it was under powered. Top end around 32mph with stock prop. Economy is great, handles the lake excellent. Everyone has their opinions, but if using for primarily fishing, in good shape, and you like it...go for it!

[Big Trouble]

I would have liked to have gotten the 23' version but could not make it work financially. What I have does the job and always gets me back safely. Will not break any speed records but will handle Erie very well for its size. I was trying to post a pic, but can't figure out how...I am computer stupid sometimes...

[docwet]

Nowadays with fuel at 4.00/gal ($4.14 at the Marina), a smaller motor will be an advantage. No boat in our marina (max. lgt. 23') gets more than 3 MPG and the twin engine boats only average about 1.4 MPG. We have lots of 20-23 ft. boats that are powered by 120-140 HP I/O's and they can run almost anywhere on the lake.

Cheers, Docwet

[ebijack]

It still comes to power to weight ratio, one of the biggest advantages to max rated Hp is you have much better control of the boat when you need it out there. You can get the bow up faster in heavy seas, and when loaded with people etc. You should burn less fuel when running/crusing with a higher HP engine, you will be at a much lower part throttle crusing than with less HP using more throttle to get at a crusing speed. The correct prop is also required. As far a dual outboards, typically ( not always) you don't see dual outboards till you get to much larger boats than 23 ft, so it is not a true comparision. But this is all my view. I know when it's really rough out on the big lake, I want every advantage I can have to get back home. Generally 85% of the max recommended HP is the lowest alot boaters would accept.