BB vs SB

[biggraypig]

How do these engines match up in a boat?
Big block torque and HP compared to small block torque and HP. Considering weight of the engines to HP/torque ratio.
And what about handeling?
For example how would a 383 compare to a 454?

[DMOORE]

The weight of the boat will have a lot to do with the effect the different motors put on it. If you are starting off with a larger, heavier boat, the difference in weight of a BB will be a much smaller % of the total. Now if you are talking an 18ft lite weight boat, the extra weight of a BB would be more noticeable. In a lite weight hull a very stout SB (turbo or super charged) would be a potent lake boat.
Darrell.

[WannabeRacing]

A little help on what boat would be a great help.
Are we talking heavy cruiser? V-drive, I/O, or squirt gun? So many variables.
In a heavy cruiser, a SBC will have to work so hard it is rediculous. The free torque from the larger cubic inches, immediately overcomes the added weight from a big block. Also, to get a SBC to run with a big block, there is lots of money involved. If you put that money into a big block, you can almost always do better.
If we are talking about a potato chip lay-up flatbottom v-drive, an SBC is a good option. The weight savings is actually a measurable percentage of the boat now. And rpms are nice to have around. Watch RiverRats II and watch small block Mikes boat for a good example.
Jets tend to like the torque and not the rpms, so you have that fighting against the small block stuff.
But if we are talking about turbos or blowers, then the small blocks start to become a novelty that is possible.
Big blocks are great for boats for a few reasons. Getting out of the water requires torque. Especially with bigger boats. Wider bore spacing allows for larger pistons, and larger valves to flow more air. Lots of parts available for good prices, etc.

[DMOORE]

I'd have to agree with Wannabe, I don't think a SB would be a great choice on a jet set-up.
Darrell.

[CPBRIAN10THMTN]

A SBC jet boat is only going to go so fast, jet pumps feed off torque and putting more than 5800-6000 rpm into a jet is going to do nothing for you unless you have a shoe, loader scoop etc. the pump needs to be loaded massivly when pushing that many revs or its just going to cavitate like crazy. Need to make all your power at the bottom end up to around 5500 rpm's, thats a whole lot easier with a BBC, easy power and alot of torque. SBC's will make alot of power but not alot of torque. BBC the way to go.:crossx: