Hey, look at the bright side....there's wedding money to be had ( if you plan properly)! You foot the bill in the beginning, and you get it all back after the wedding! Its a wash, and you get it all back in one lump sum....just before summer :)

Yeah then that lump sum becomes the new house down payment lol

Here is a question for the guys running "bigger power". Kevin and I got to talkin about what kind of boating we do and what want from our boats . We came to the conclusion that we want higher cruising speeds, good mid range and decent top end while keeping reliability and low maintainace costs. We also figured our boats run wot around 1% of the time and run cruising 70% of the time. So as I am finalizing my build I am trying to figure the most efficient HP numbers to fit all my needs. So here is the question for the big power guys why run the big HP power? Do you run top speed more often? Are you looking for more torque? I know it was said yesterday that rpms kill motors not HP, but in order to run top speed you are at wot and high rpms. If you are out running those high HP motors at 3500 rpms is that lugging motor bad for it? I am trying to talk myself into the lower HP motor. Going big seems like killing a fly with a bazooka when all you need is a fly swatter. Let's hear from everyone.

Bigger power = higher cruise speed...

Your torque/hp numbers go up exponentially however this creates a new predicament. Just because you're running more boost, doesn't mean allot will change...

Big cubic inch gives more torque, for instance, 4000 for a 502 with a blower will make probably in the ball park of 550-600torque at cruise...a 600/632/588/98 will do with a blower, probably around 900torque....hp obviously following, this equates to more cruise speed at a lower rpm. It's not the top end, if you want to cruise fast, you have to over build, but take into consideration, more boost won't necessarily get you there, understand what your blocks are capable of and where your blower kicks in...be it roots or screw it all makes a variation.

Personally I like the acceleration and the ability to have endless power, so therefore building up is the way to go. I've always thought, find where you want to cruise, then figure your top end, add 10-15mph to that, that's what you build your motors to.

It's all about combination, propping etc. Torque is what makes cruise speed, not hp...look at the ilmors...they routinely run 5000+ but they run fine there, more hp than torque...wind em up they'll push the boat but it takes a minute to get there...

My boat runs fine at a cruise, but the hull difference , efficiency, it's a different setup, each setup is unique...if that sheds any light. The original Madhatter was fine @ cruise at 95-100....but the hp difference was drastic...I cruise now 70-80 no issue.....

It's not lugging the motor at 3500-4000...it is at 3k....in my opinion...

You want to let the block breathe, then the boost will do more, if the block is breathing it makes more hp naturally and the boost will go down...then your boost will make a larger difference if you have efficient heads etc.

REMEMBER THIS: FAST, CHEAP, RELIABLE
YOU GET TWO...YOU ONLY EVER GET 2...

if it's fast and cheap it's not reliable....
if it's reliable and cheap, it's not fast...
if it's reliable and fast, it aint cheap...

My 2 cents here,not running the kind of power you guys are,but for me I would build say a 600 to 700hp motor and try to cruise at about 3600 to 3800 rpms,my boat and we know what is,at 3800rpm about 55 to 60 mph,on a good day,to me relieabilty is the key,I will never be the fastest but I will always get there,I guess what I am trying to say is I would rather be alittle slower and have a lot less issues,happy holidays frank and to all

The difference in ride quality doesn't hit until 70 I've noticed at least...60in mine is boring... :) different boat though!

Park: nice to see ya on here! Chime in more often!

Haha, is that how it works for most?

My best friend just got married...spent $40 g of his own $

Had a meltdown when his cards equaled less than $13.

Called everybody that had no $ in cards & told em to f off.

Tacky? Yes.... Funny....hell ya

Good luck j.
With my savings so far its a town hall ceremony for us:grinser010:

Wedding? ill just go buy hookers cheaper

The avatar war.... haha

Ouch....

I'm really surpised that there were actually people who didn't at least throw him a bone.... if you can't afford to leave at least a little something, then you probably shouldn't go.