6.2 Vs. 8.1

[greggwyn]

Considering purchasing an acquaintances 2003 340 Sundancer with the 6.2's. We currently have a 2003 280 with a single 8.1. Looking to hear from owners of a 340 with the 6.2's. How does it perform outside of a lake setting? Does it get on plane well when loaded with four adults and weekend gear? This particular boat is very well maintained and has been used to island hop. It has all the right equipment but I'm concerned about the 6.2.
Thanks
Within Balance

 

[MarkCrusei]

I/O or V-drive?
6.2 is not as fast but at cocktail speeds(7-8 MPH) gets way better fuel economy. In the v-drive configuration the 8.1 is going to be 10 mph faster but beyond that, the 6.2 has way more room in the engine compartment making do-it-yourself maintenance much more doable. Bottom line, the 6.2 isn't under powered but if you have the need for speed, 8.1 is the only way to go.

 

[jason78]

I don't usually say this but you may want to do some searching on this. This same topic about the same boat has been discussed several times here. You may get more information by looking at those threads as well.

The general consensus here about engine choice is usually to try to avoid the base power package if at all possible. I think it has a lot to do with what you plan to use the boat for as well. Remember it's not just about horsepower. Those big blocks are going to have more torque than the small blocks. I have operated a 340 with 8.1 engines and they did great, could not imagine any less though. A sea trial might be the best way to decide.

Also, isn't 2003 the year that produced both the older and newer 340 hull? If so, what hull is it? The newer model is heavier.

 

[CliffA]

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...ncer-purchase-decision?highlight=340+decision

I started the thread in the link a year or so ago while making the same decision you are making...you may find some helpful info in the thread...

if the 2003 boat you are looking at is a later model the 6.2's may be marginal on power since the boat became heavier in mid 2003 and the stern dead rise was increased....this is all spelled out in the attached thread....that is the main reason Sea Ray stopped putting the 6.2's in the later model 340's.....

for what it is worth based on how I use my boat i am glad I went with the 6.2 engines since it is the earlier design from 1999 - 2003 (early)....I have no performance issues at all but I am not one that craves high top end speed...this is the wrong style and size boat for that kind of boating...

cliff

 

[greggwyn]

It has V- Drives and from what I've gathered from other folks, is that there have been problems with the 6.2 due to having to run at a high RPM that's require to keep it on plane. I do like speed so I'm ruling out the 6.2's.
Thanks or your response.

 

[scoflaw]

It has V- Drives and from what I've gathered from other folks, is that there have been problems with the 6.2 due to having to run at a high RPM that's require to keep it on plane. I do like speed so I'm ruling out the 6.2's.
Thanks or your response.

And that be the difference between big blocks and small blocks. Good choice.

Those BBC's are thirsty boys, but.. it's only money

 

[JVM225]

No replacement for displacement.
HP for show, Torque for go!

 

[keokie]

A lot of folks don't believe this, but at planing speeds, the 8.1's won't use more fuel than the 6.2's.