Experience with the 4.3 V-6?

[61_express]

I'm thinking that next year I will repower the Tournament Fisherman with a bit more power. Originally I was thinking about a pair of 327's but the 4.3 v-6 is nearly 300 lbs lighter per engine than the 3.0's and would give me an extra 80hp each. Of course the hot rodder in me wants a couple of v-8's and 600hp total but that adds a lot of weight and fuel consumption.
Anyone have any experience with the 4.3's both good or bad?

[Helmar]

I was told and had started looking into putting a turbo on one as a sleeper.
Run her up, then click the boost button on.
I did my drag boat days so I guess it depends on what you really want to do. If its going to be a tournament boat, you need fast so ???

[61_express]

Just want a bit more power. I'd like to get her up to 35-40 mph or so, be able to take the family tubing and skiing. It's not a small boat just not sure if the 4cyl are enough.

[Bflaherty]

The 4.3L Vortec is a really smooth motor (nearly bullet proof). They are fairly easy to convert for marine use (if you buy an automotive unit) otherwise the marine versions are pretty easy to find. I know my father has worked on a few and they are all pretty low maintenance. Only design flaw is in the intake manifolds, there is a pocket that holds water that will not drain by gravity so they are suseptable to freezing and internal cracking... There is a plug that can be removed and you just pump the water out (or run as fresh water cooling).

Lots of HP is great for top end but really in a boat you need to be concerned with torque, especially if you're trying to tow somebody. Also, keep in mind that ideally you want to be able to cruise at 3/4 or less throttle, otherwise you will run the motors to death in a very short time. Some of my father's best customers are the ones with trawlers that try to run them on plane to save time...