Quote:
Originally Posted by robmac
The 4.5 engine is a GM engine basically just in print they don't put 4.3 on it. The reason for that goes back to cars,if your Merc Marine and you're selling power plants and say a ford guy or gal comes in are they going to jump at the chance to buy a GM engine? NO and visa versa. As far as HP rating the 4.3 comes with 285 hp and as some us remember the early 70s manufacturers lowered HP ratings so they could be sold and the insurance company wouldn't charge a surcharge for a performance HP engine. Now on getting up on plane it is torque big blocks make stump pulling numbers where as small blocks just rev and make power at higher RPMs. Tesla is a great example electric motors make instant torque. In my current boat I have a 540 and I find it better on gas because I'm barely on the throttle and she's flying. I wouldn't be afraid of a 4.5 in that size boat however if you make a deal it should be predicated with sea trial so you can save now and not be sorry later.
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I've never seen any Mercruiser 4.3's with 285HP. I believe the high HP rating is 220HP. I have a carbureted version in a 19 ft bowrider that's 195HP and it seems to be plenty of power. I would think a 4.5 with 250HP would be fine up to 21 feet. Over that I think I would go with the V8.