[Efreeland]

I’m in the market for a 3100 Open. Likely a late 80’s thru 90’s. I’ve noticed a fairly wide range of horsepower in engine set ups. From 600 - 800ish. Was wondering if anyone can speak to performance difference. I’ve come across a diesel powered at 600hp but that really seems on the low side of power. I realize prop configuration will play a role. Any thoughts on this?

Thank you.

[Sans Peur]

You can never have to much HP.

That being said, a diesel creates its HP at much lower RPM's and will generate a ton more torque. This allows it to spin bigger props and can negate out the larger HP difference between them and a gas engine. Look at the Ford F350's the lower HP diesel can pull a ton of weight and it takes a much larger gas engine to do the same thing. That equates to boats as well.

I will be interested to hear what others are experiencing in this boat.

[Misdirection]

I have an '86 3600 with twin Crusader 454's (700 hp total). I have plenty of hp and never felt under powered.

I'm up on Lake Erie, usual trip is 10 to 20 miles off shore, troll for 6 hours, run back to port. Erie is a shallow lake and gets snotty at times.

Or sometimes we make a 5 hour run down the lake to the Islands.

If I were in salt water making off shore runs, I'd probably want diesel's.

But if you plan on fishing and trolling, it can be difficult to troll a smaller boat with diesels at a slow enough speed with out trolling valves.



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[ardoski14]

I'm on my second year owning 1988 33' Open with 454 350 HP and feel it has more than enough power. Loaded down with 4 to 5 guys, fishing gear and a full tank of gas it get s on plane with some trim tab. Attached is a performance sheet from Tiara on a newer 33' Open.

[Efreeland]

You can never have to much HP.

That being said, a diesel creates its HP at much lower RPM's and will generate a ton more torque. This allows it to spin bigger props and can negate out the larger HP difference between them and a gas engine.  Look at the Ford F350's  the lower HP diesel can pull a ton of weight and it takes a much larger gas engine to do the same thing. That equates to boats as well.

I will be interested to hear what others are experiencing in this boat.

I agree we never complain about too much horsepower.

---

I have an '86 3600 with twin Crusader 454's (700 hp total).  I have plenty of hp and never felt under powered.

I'm up on Lake Erie, usual trip is 10 to 20 miles off shore, troll for 6 hours, run back to port.  Erie is a shallow lake and gets snotty at times.

Or sometimes we make a 5 hour run down the lake to the Islands.

If I were in salt water making off shore runs, I'd probably want diesel's.

But if you plan on fishing and trolling, it can be difficult to troll a smaller boat with diesels at a slow enough speed with out trolling valves.



Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

Thank you.

I would really like diesels. The older boats with higher engine hours worry me.  The boat has 600hp with the diesels. I likely won’t fish much. It is for the wife and I to explore the Chesapeake on and do some overnights.

---

I'm on my second year owning 1988 33' Open with 454 350 HP and feel it has more than enough power. Loaded down with 4 to 5 guys, fishing gear and a full tank of gas it get s on plane with some trim tab. Attached is a performance sheet from Tiara on a newer 33' Open.

Thank you that is good information. 

You have a single engine in that? All the 31’s I’ve been looking at are twin screws.

[ardoski14]

You can never have to much HP.

That being said, a diesel creates its HP at much lower RPM's and will generate a ton more torque. This allows it to spin bigger props and can negate out the larger HP difference between them and a gas engine.  Look at the Ford F350's  the lower HP diesel can pull a ton of weight and it takes a much larger gas engine to do the same thing. That equates to boats as well.

I will be interested to hear what others are experiencing in this boat.

I agree we never complain about too much horsepower.

---

I have an '86 3600 with twin Crusader 454's (700 hp total).  I have plenty of hp and never felt under powered.

I'm up on Lake Erie, usual trip is 10 to 20 miles off shore, troll for 6 hours, run back to port.  Erie is a shallow lake and gets snotty at times.

Or sometimes we make a 5 hour run down the lake to the Islands.

If I were in salt water making off shore runs, I'd probably want diesel's.

But if you plan on fishing and trolling, it can be difficult to troll a smaller boat with diesels at a slow enough speed with out trolling valves.



Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

Thank you.

I would really like diesels. The older boats with higher engine hours worry me.  The boat has 600hp with the diesels. I likely won’t fish much. It is for the wife and I to explore the Chesapeake on and do some overnights.

---

I'm on my second year owning 1988 33' Open with 454 350 HP and feel it has more than enough power. Loaded down with 4 to 5 guys, fishing gear and a full tank of gas it get s on plane with some trim tab. Attached is a performance sheet from Tiara on a newer 33' Open.

Thank you that is good information. 

You have a single engine in that? All the 31’s I’ve been looking at are twin screws.

no twins also with a generator.

[reeltimebrad]

I've heard the small block 350's are a little underpowered and to stick with the 454's.

[Pknappe]

I have a 1998 3100 Open with twin Crusader 454 XLi engines. They have 900 hours and it tops out at 30 knots. Cruises nicely at 18-20 knots at around 2800-3000 rpm. Full fuel and water, three guys on board. Estimate fuel at around 0.9 MPG. If you want increased range, I would go for diesels. Otherwise I think this setup is fine.

[Jon H]

I had a 31 with 454's -350-. Very good performance but had to use bags to troll for walleye.