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I am considering a 2009 40 Sundancer with just the standard 8.1 370 motors. I would really like to have diesels or at least the 8.1 HO. The boat is really clean and has every option. Would this boat be underpowered?
Most likely about 70% local cruises on Detroit River and Lake Erie. Several day trips to put in bay and such approximately 30 mile cruises one way and 2-3 long distance trips a year.Where/How will you use the boat. Defining that will help you decide what is the right engine.
HP isn't the only issue' torque is also a big factor hence the reason diesels are aventageous. 3126s are typically 350 to 385 Hp but put out gobs of torque
8.1L Merc vs. 8.1L HO Merc
We just sold our 340 DA which had 8.1L. Now looking for 390 DA and coming across a few, but not sure if the 8.1L is adequate power. If anyone knows of a prior thread on this topic, just direct me, or would appreciate your thoughts and input. Thanks.www.clubsearay.com
In your case, I would focus on overall condition of the boat. The 8.1s would probably be functional. A diesel would be a definite plus, but not if it's a POS.Most likely about 70% local cruises on Detroit River and Lake Erie. Several day trips to put in bay and such approximately 30 mile cruises one way and 2-3 long distance trips a year.
Here I am. I bought the boat not wanting or needing a speed demon. The 390 is comfortable boat. Good looks and like @Great Lakes indicated mine uses about 32 gallons per hour at 30 mph. The boat is happy at 3200 rpm.Didn't find anything 40DA specific (that don't mean it ain't here though).
But I would perceive an '05 390 would be close enough to help.
Here is a similar question: (post 657 toward the bottom of the page)
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-390da-thread.41984/page-33
Jus Cruisin is around here regular, he will comment when he sees this, I'm sure.
Being under powered can be pretty subjective, depending on your point of reference.
I wouldn't think it would be, based on what I know about those engines. However, I do
readily admit to having no experience with that specific boat either.
The difference between those and the HOs is just short of 15%. I don't think that difference would be a deal breaker for me, if the boat is otherwise what I was looking for. But then again, your intent, use and expectations may well be different than mine.
Thank you and everyone for the input. Very helpful hearing first hand accounts.Here I am. I bought the boat not wanting or needing a speed demon. The 390 is comfortable boat. Good looks and like @Great Lakes indicated mine uses about 32 gallons per hour at 30 mph. The boat is happy at 3200 rpm.
There was a full right up on the 390 in one of the magazines. They tested the boat with the gassers and were happy with the performance. There was also a diesel being tested at the same time and they did an informal drag race. They said it was surprisingly a dead heat.
If the boat checks out, I wouldn't be afraid of the engines.
your 40 was getting 32gph from 3200-3600??? The same as your 340? Sorry have to say no. I don't mean to question you, but I captain boats of all kinds and that gallon burn sounds way off.the 8.1,s and the 8.1Ho are virtually the same power output until you get to 3800 rpm , that’s when the extra horses kick in .
8.1L tops out at 46-4800 rpm
The 8.1ho pulls 5000 rpm thus the top speed difference!
My 06-40 DA with 8.1L burning 32GPH and cruised comfortably between 32-3600 rpm
My 05-340DA cruised/burned the same with 8.1L
That’s why you have to be careful on CSR…. Someone always knows the truthyour 40 was getting 32gph from 3200-3600??? The same as your 340? Sorry have to say no. I don't mean to question you, but I captain boats of all kinds and that gallon burn sounds way off.
your 40 was getting 32gph from 3200-3600??? The same as your 340? Sorry have to say no. I don't mean to question you, but I captain boats of all kinds and that gallon burn sounds way off.
Well put. The difference from the 340/40 at 3500rpm is the mph. But the fuel burn will be more overall because it takes much more to get them on plane also. 36gph I’m at 31mph in my boat. The 40 will cruise at 23-24 at 3500-3600. I still feel the 8.1 is really working all the time in that 40. Just my opinion.As a rule of thumb, a gas engine will burn about 10% of the rated HP at WOT in GPH. Ex: 350 HP gasser with burn abou5 35 gal/hr at WOT regardless if the boat it’s installed in. You could estimate a cruise burn from there and be pretty close. Not exact but it’ll get you in the ballpark.
The difference between a 340 and a 380/400 will be how fast it will cruise. The heavier/longer/wider boat will cruise slower as it would take more HP to move the bigger boat, but the engine still put out the same power and burn the same amount of gas. And you won’t have gone as far a distance for the same fuel burn.