X-35 and X-45 High Altitude Engine size
 

I am looking for people at high altitude, I mostly do my boating between 3600 ft (Lake Powell) and 6000 ft (Bear Lake). I currently have an X15 with the MCX and for the most part it does a good job. We have decided to upgrade to a larger boat. My price range puts me in the 2008-2010 model years for either an X35 or X45. I need some advice on the engine size I should be looking for.

Some information to help, we surf a lot, my wife skis, and we all wakeboard, tube, and cruise around the lake. We spend 2-3 weeks/year at Lake Powell so open cruising with a loaded boat it important.

You boaters in Utah what is your experience? Thanks in advance for your help.

At a minimum you should get the 6.0 and at the high altitudes you may still need to reprop. I was in Aurora, CO for work in 2009 and went by the local dealer and was talking with a sales guy and he told me that they get all their X45's with the 8.1.

Jeff,
Thanks for your input. My dealer here in Utah always said the same thing. When I talked to him about it at the boat show he mentioned a concern about purchasing a boat with the 8.1. That they don't make it anymore and any future maintenance will be tricky and costly. That scares me some. I like the 45 but have concerns about the 6.0 handling it.

Anyone in Utah/Colorado with a 45 that has the 6.0 in it?

I'm running the 6.2 in my X45 and that is a great engine for the boat. The 6.0 is gonna work hard on those 2 boats. You can never have enough horsepower.

Are you running the new Ilmore engines? I would love to get my hands on one of those. But out of curiosity you think a 35 or 45 with the Ilmore engines need to have the 6.2?

Yeah ive heard the 8.1 is unreliable, so im sure the 6.0 would be plenty with the right prop!

Whats your price range out of curiosity?

http://www.waterskiamerica.com/new_v...99&pov=3075629

http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/bod/3597867665.html

Aric
I would say my price range is between $0:D and $70K.

I would however look at spending more to get into a 2011 if the deal was just right. That 2011 45 you posted, do you know the engine in it? The add doesn't say. I also found a 2010 35 with the 6.0 low hrs listed for $73K that looks interesting.

FYI if you know anyone interested in a 2006 X-15 well cared for 260 +/- hrs have them send me a message.

I would aim to find one with a 6.2 Ilmor if you can. Love ours. Hassle free and powerful!

260 hours on a 2006! i just rolled 270 on my 10! haha. not sure on the engine. Its right down the road from where i live, its at a Bu' dealer :eek: