Looking at a 342 with Volvo 5.0 gxi's, underpowered???

Mightys4

We're trying to come back to Rinker.  We sold our 270 several years ago and went with a Cuddy, it didn't cut it.

We're looking at 342's, just fits all the bills.  The Admiral and I are looking at a very clean 2006 342... but... it has Volvo 5.0 gxi motors. 

Is this enough motor for this boat?  at +/- 14,000 lbs, I worry its the low end of the HP scale.  If I'm wrong, I'd love to know it.  Seems it could get decent fuel economy if I stay out of the throttles.  I don't need to get there that fast but I worry it might be underpowered?

I hope I'm wrong, its a beautiful clean example.

Thank you for any advice!

LaRea

The top speed will be lower, but you'd probably notice it more in time-to-plane.  You might find that with a full fuel load and lots of passengers, the boat won't get on plane at all.  

Michael T

In my opinion it is very underpowered and  when reasonably loaded (almost full of fuel, fresh water and 1/3 waste) with food and drink for overnight or longer and a BBQ life jackets other safety gear fenders, clothes etc, plus 4 people you will - in reality - have a displacement boat. This boat runs decently with 377 magnums - 6.2 liter magnums. I do not own one but have been a guest on a dozen of them over the years. A fabulous boat design, one of Rinker's best, strong and fast (with the right engine - which I don't think the 5 liter is - even the GXis). I think buying it would be a huge mistake. Look for more power, for your use and for later re-sale. Sorry to be a sh*t with bad news but we are a Rinker brotherhood on this forum and try to look after one another,.

andyd

Which model outdrive is bolted to those 5.0GXi's? For an '06 that should be question number one. And I agree with Michael that with a boat of 14K plus pounds, that is not enough horsepower, and getting more out of the 5.0 is not practical.

Andy

Mightys4

Thank you for the advice folks, we were honestly worried about the lack of power for such a large boat.  We've decided to keep looking.

DanD2

Mightys4 said:

Thank you for the advice folks, we were honestly worried about the lack of power for such a large boat.  We've decided to keep looking.

Although the 342 is a great boat, I think you made the right choice. I've got the 5.7's and although I feel it's powered appropriately, the 5.0's in my opinion would be underpowered.