Under Powered??
 

I'm considering buying a 22' Devanti that has a 4 cyl. 3.0L engine. Will use the boat for cruising around the Lake Superior Apostle Islands, not tubing or skiing.
I like the idea of a 4 cyl to save on gas, but worried it is under powered.
Any thoughts on this or experience w/a 4 cyl.
Thanks in advance for your comments.

Re: Under Powered??
 

I would be really concerned..
That's a pretty good sized boat for a smaller engine.....
Just my 2 cents....

Re: Under Powered??
 

I spent a little time behind the helm of a 21' Bayliner with a 3.0 and 21" 3-blade prop a couple years ago. I was surprised how well it got on plane and even pulled a 200+lb wakeboarder out of the water and stayed on plane at decent boarding (low) speeds. The owner of that boat lives near Long Beach and is a fisherman.
That said, a Mariah is no Bayliner. I hope you get some good feedback here.

Re: Under Powered??
 

I think you will be a little disappointed in the performance sooner or later & wished you had one with at least a 4.3L (& maybe a 5.0L) in it. You are asking a lot of a little 3.0 to push a 3400lb+ boat thru the water particularly when full of fuel, accessories and say 5-6 passengers.

And Dredd's right. It aint a Bayliner. :)

Re: Under Powered??
 

Some years back I had a 21 ft Mark Twain bowrider with a 3.7LX 4 cyl (180 HP). The boat weighed in at 3300 lbs and it got up and went without much trouble. It topped out at around 33 MPH but I always wished I had a 4.3L or better yet a V8. The 3L is probably only 130+ HP, I think the missing 50HP is going to be noticable and you will be disappointed in performance.

Re: Under Powered??
 

Thanks guys for you input.
At my age I'm not into performance, my brother-in-law will want to test me w/his 20' SeaRay 6 cyl.
One comment that caught my eyes was a full tank of gas and 4-6 passengers - maybe not enough power.
Any more options?

Re: Under Powered??
 

What do you mean "it ain't a Bayliner"?

Re: Under Powered??
 

The owner of the boat did tell me top speed was 33-35 mph.
Is there anything I should look for when inspecting a used boat before buying?
What should I look for in the engine and lower unit?

Re: Under Powered??
 

Yep, kind of like powering a Hummer with a 4cyl engine. Yes it will get you from point A to point B but i suspect you wont like the trip. The 6 cyl wont use much more gas as it wont work as hard as the 4 banger will to push all that weight around. That "33 - 35mph" was likely per his speedometer which usually are notorious for being on the high side of actual speed.

Re: Under Powered??
 

Pic... :rolling_laugh:

Re: Under Powered??
 

That's probably why he is asking $4,500.00.

Re: Under Powered??
 

So do you get the picture we're trying to paint for ya?

Re: Under Powered??
 

My 225 with 9 persons, probably 1500 lbs, has a hard time planing with a 5.7 L, I usually use the trim tabs to help.
2 persons she'll do 50 mph.
I can't imagine a 4 banger would have enough guts.
I might even massage the 5.7 to get a couple more ponies.
You could be smacking your forehead...I coulda' had a V8!

Re: Under Powered??
 

Thanks guys - got the message loud and clear.

Re: Under Powered??
 

Voodoo,
I was thinking the same thing!
We have one of the first SX 20's from Sea Fox (2003) and I couldn't imagine that boat without an MPI v6 or v-8...
-Doug

Re: Under Powered??
 

I would not go with anything less than at least a small block V8 of any size. IMO:wink_thumbup:

The 22' is not a lightweight boat. You will never be disappointed with the extra power!

The 4 cyl is to small by a big margin to me.

Re: Under Powered??
 

That's funny...I have a friend with a Bayliner that he loves and I've been on it with him. Then We spent the day on my Mariah.............He's not so much in love with the Bayliner any more. his next boat will be a Shabah:yes_grin:

Re: Under Powered??
 

Did Mariah REALLY put a 3.0 in a 22ft Davanti???