Question about cost of running twins
 

I am considering buying a 1991 wellcraft nova spyder with twin big blocks, vers twin small blocks. Boat is 26ft Any sugestions on which is beter purchase, I like the sound of big blocks, but concerned about fuel costs. Is big blocks to much weight for a small boat like that, or should i consider the same boat with small blocks?

Big Blocks depending on modifications and, BB's maybe better on fuel in that they wont work as hard to keep the boat on plane and going. They have the torque needed. Small block just work harder in essence.
-Mike

go big blocks
 

go big blocks if only because it is a more popular motor compaired to small blocks.the old say rings true here...there no replacement for cubic displacement.if you are worried about gas consuption,you should,nt.its the cheapest part of boating.

Exactly my experience. My old 260 Scorpion had 260's in it and it didnt get any better mpg then my 34 ScarabIII. At least none to speak of. I tracked fuel used versus miles on a yearly basis with gps and all in all the small blocks didnt use any less fuel. Now in defense i ran the Scorp pretty hard to keep up with my group. It would run fifty all day long but in order to do it i was turning 4K and well into the secondaries.

I will disagree here. That boat is too small for twin big blocks. Balance will not be right, gas hogs and they run plenty fast with twin small blocks or even twin v-6. It is a family cruiser boat. Personally for that style hull I would look for twin V-6 package. Much better on gas, lighter and plenty fast for a family boat. If you want a fast boat, start with a fast hull. Common mistake is people take a cruiser hull and throw a ton of power at it trying to go fast. Waste of money. Running small blocks WOT will burn gas if you insist on running with the big dogs in the fast boats. If you want to run 70 mph start with a Wellcraft Scarab hull that run very hard with twin small blocks in the 28 or 29 foot range. Most go-fast manufactures do not install twin big blocks in boats smaller than 28'.

I would hardly call the 26' nova hull a cruiser, but that's just my opinion...

I had 350's in a 27 Fountain, put 600 hours on it with out any problems. They were real easy on fuel, but as bcfountian said " gas is the cheapest part of boating."

A 26' boat is too small for Big Blocks.

I agree.

My last boat was a 24/7 with single 502. Now have a 28ft boat with twin 502's. The increase in fuel consumption was not that bad if any. Not enough to break the bank. I was suprised. Of course the consumption will be much worse if you drive around at WOT. I drive around at 40-60mph.

I wouldn't want that boat. It's gonna be too ass-heavy with the big girls in the rear.

You have many options ...keep looking and doing research!

26 footer with twins is a tough sale. Make sure you explore your options, however to answer the BB to SB question, go with the BB. They wont have to work as hard and will be a little easier on fuel. My last boat 29 foot with twin 502s used the same amount of fuel as my single 28 foot with 496.

I previously had a '92 Nova with a single big block and it did just fine. Sure, it would have looked cool to fire up twins at the dock, but I think it would be overkill for that hull. Plus, you'd need a shoehorn to do any work on them. Just my $.02, good luck!

I didn't think the 26' had enough beam for 2 big dogs? It's gonna be mighty tight in there!

Coming from experience...I would look for a 26 with a single. The twins you have to remember everything is double. If you want to upgrade the exhaust for example X2.

I had a 26' Nova with twin small blocks and now I have a 31' Formula with 454's. Not exactly apples to apples, but the Formula is an absolute gas pig compared to the Nova.

I drove them both pretty much the same ... in the rack or wide open. The Formula is about 10 MPH faster so I guess the extra gas is worth something. Like others have pointed out, the cost of gas is minor compared to the other costs of boat ownership. You know what b.o.a.t. stands for, right?

BB

For eventual resale.

Yes, BB here too. Jetmech has a 26 nova with twin big block bravos and it ran around 80 with warmed over 454s. Ran 70 with 330s and was a solid boat. The engine room is no tighter than my 30 scarab side to side. I have room in front of my engines though. Very nice setup the 26 nova with twin BB. I don't know what a sbc 26 nova would run, but I would guess only 55-60mph. So some of it has to do with what you want to do with the boat and how important going fast is to you.

I don't think a Nova would be considered a "cruiser" hull. That boat is respectable with either power, but I would base my decision on outdrives......the SB's may have Alpha's. Either way, a lot of room from the pulleys to the seatback....

bring out another thousand

i would rather have 350 mags over 310 hp 454s.10 hp less per motor and app 150 lbs liter,do the math,but no mater what engines,the 26 nova is a good low buck boat.i once had a 27 foot v hull,single engine,it was a real mut till i put a 800 hp 509 sc engine in it.it was a lot of fun at 85 mph.

jason,put the big girls in the front and the skinny azz girls in the back:lolhit:

That was my thought too.....I've got 32' with my Sunny with an 8' beam and you wanna talk tight...I need Vasaline and a shoe horn to change the oil!! I'm not hugely familiar with the layout on the Nova's.....but twin BBC's is gonna be tight.

yes twins will be tight but twins is much easier when it comes to docking and if your out and break something you can still get back home on the other engine your fuel wont be much more if not less depending on how you run the boat. other costs will be more granted there are 2 instead of one. i would go with the bigblocks they are more desirable when you go to sell in the future and should get better milage at the same speed as the smallblocks and they wont have to work as hard so they should last longer

thers plenty of room to work on twin BB's. By buddie has a 91 nova with 450 hp 454's and bravos. runs mid 80's. boat handles great,really fun to run. NOW if your 350 lbs you probaly would find it hard to work on ANY twin engine boat:lolhit:

Huh?

Drugs. Lots & lots of street drugs.

Ok sounds good thats an answere
-Mike

Eh...I'm 290....my wrencher is less than that..and I STILL think he'll be standing on his head...but rock on! :drink:

Thanks for all the replies guys, I only wanted info, because there was a nice 1990 wellcraft nova red one on craigslist a while back, with brand new trailer, and less than 300hours, i thought it was really clean and unmolested, thats all.
I am also interested in the 1990 formula 272 would that be a better choice of boat, as I think they have a bit biger beam, also has working fridge, little beter for weekend sleep overs, which is what i want out of a boat.

If you change your mind about the Nova I have a friend with one that he may sell with or without power. Let me know if you are interested.