Supra 24V - 8.1/496 prop selection for Surfin', Wakin', Slalomin', AND Footin'

Buyers seem to shy away from the 8.1 because they're worried about fuel consumption but are buying the 450hp 6.2 and 550 hp supercharged 6.2 in the newer big boats. It takes a certain amount of fuel to create the power to push a 7500 lb load at 11 mph through the water so I don't understand how there can be a fuel consumption issue with high power motors over the 350. I bet the 350's do a great job in 22' and below but from what I've seen 23' and up need that extra 100 hp to move all that fibergalss.

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Originally Posted by Hanso24V

Buyers seem to shy away from the 8.1 because they're worried about fuel consumption but are buying the 450hp 6.2 and 550 hp supercharged 6.2 in the newer big boats. It takes a certain amount of fuel to create the power to push a 7500 lb load at 11 mph through the water so I don't understand how there can be a fuel consumption issue with high power motors over the 350. I bet the 350's do a great job in 22' and below but from what I've seen 23' and up need that extra 100 hp to move all that fibergalss.

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Talking to techs that worked on the 8.1 and the 550s, they can be "temperamental".

For SC in 2020, now they moved to the new ratio of 1.76, they are hoping the west coast/high altitude buyers like the 460 motor with that combo.

Agree with you on the 350 motors in the 22' and below.

Those new Supras are pushing > 7.5K down the lake.

My 8.1 has a pretty noticable lope and a supercharger adds its own wrinkle so I could see where some issues could arise.

That deep ratio on the new, heavy boats makes a lot of sense. If they run a moderate pitch for low speed power with some heavy cupping to hold rpms down at higher speeds they could have a great compromise. If my V drive ever goes I'm definitely dropping from a 1.21 to 1.46 ratio like the Malibu's run. That will make more prop options possible.

Hoping for a couple more warm days here in WI to get in a few more lake hours before we pack it all up for the season.

That 8.1 and v-drive will probably keep on running and running.

Agreed! I plan on maintaining/using this rig for the next 20 years. Only 140 hrs. on it so far.