2020 SL 400 under powered?

What's the experience of the 400 HP in the SL? I am/was considering a SL 450 but have heard that a SL 400 with a torque prop (15 x 12) is totally sufficient even running fully balasted with an extra 1800lbs of weight added with a surfer and 2 in the boat. Propped like that apparently limits top speed under 36mph and I suppose not great on fuel economy (or maybe it is?) We typically boat at 30' above sea level but may move to someplace that is closer to 400' above sea level. The 450 would be nice but $6,500 for about 12% HP increase seems a bit much to me. (Unless you look at the $18K+ for the turbo charged 550. :-)

Anyway I hope someone can give me some insights on this configuration.

Thx.

What elevation are you at?

The 2020 400’s now have the 1.76-1 transmission.

Just to clarify

400 is 350hp and 404 ftlbs
450 is 410 hp and 452 ftlbs
576 is 510 hp and 580 ftlbs

You want torque in a tow boat.


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Oh I thought that was the HP. Hmmmm.. I'm running a 330 hp now on a 21 foot boat but propped more as a crossover (SN SV211). My boat is at least 1500 lbs lighter than the SL. Looking for 1st hand experience with SL 400 with lots of weight. thx.

I have a 18SA 400 with the 1.5 transmission with 500# of lead (making it heavier than the SL) and the 400 is plenty at 1500 feet of elevation.

Now add the 1.76 transmission and in the SL the 400 is going to be great.

Again, I would only opt for the 450 if you are above 2500 feet of elevation.


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If you are going to be running crazy lead all the time, yea a 450 is probably better for you.

I run an add'l 1000#, we had 2-3 couples all weekend, surfed awesome. SL400 in Knoxville, TN. Probably 3200-3300 rpms. No power issues. Stock prop.

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