Posted by Mark Jones on November 06, 2003 at 09:42:41:
In Reply to: MALAHINI ENGINE posted by Scott on November 06, 2003 at 06:10:47:
Hi Scott,
From viewing the Malahini pages and happening to be an owner of a similarly constructed and sized (200 lbs heavier) boat I can offer the following experience:
At 50hp my 16ft runabout was able to take the boat and app. 600 pound load to about 30mph and do so at 4gph gasoline consumption. This was excellent for fishing and sightseeing but was inadequate for towing an adult waterskier (with two adults in the boat to satisfy the laws). In this case the 50hp was a Yamaha 4-stroke and although I truly enjoyed that engine I moved up to the same brand and type in the 80hp model.
The boat now reaches 40mph (same load) and will pull any skier up and well past common skiing speeds. Consumption is now at (full throttle) 8gph.
To compare effenciency, I used to be able to cruise at 30mph for 150 miles @ 20 gallons with the 50 horse. Now with the 80 horse I'm reduced to 100 miles @ the higher speed of 40mph. Obviously the 50 horse was miserly, and if it were not for my family's desire to waterski I would have remained with it.
I hope this helps you.
Mark
: I don't want to find myself underpowered, wishing I had spent more on the engine, or overpowered either. Where is the happy medium?
: What have builders of similar craft found?