X45 Shopping 05-08 Models, Need Engine Advice

[DBrown2]

Looking for some information on what you have and are you happy with it. My general use will be wakeboarding, surfing... light sking since I know its not the best to do behind. I have found 3 in my area, and the good part is. One has the MCX, One with a 6.0, and then the Big 8.1. I usually have 3-5 people all the time with me. The price range on the boats are from 05-7 models ranging from 42K to 55K.

My 8.1 experience is from Chevrolet Trucks, it drinks the gas, pulls a house, and long term the motor will need work. But I know this upgrade cost the most new.

My 6.0 again in a Truck, not as bad on gas, runs for ever, and still pulls strong.

The MCX is in my X10 but yet needed prop upgrade to really do much surfing due to the amount of weight I fill with, in addition to stock setup.

The reason for the upgrade, more space, and for people to stop walking on the freakin sundeck. But I dont want to be drinking tons of gas, all day.

Thoughts? on your X45 with these engines..

[Mastercraftdave]

We ordered our X45 with the 6.2. On a big boat like this I couldnt imagine having a small engine like the MCX. With the bigger engine you will never have to worry about changing a prop or being under power. ITs better to have more power than not enough. Plus it will help with resale of the boat.

[NatesGr8]

Don't get the MCX, i'd recommend the 6.0 or 8.1. We have the 6.0 in our 45 and it does everything we need it too both heavily loaded and unloaded. That being said we did upgrade the prop (do the rudder too if it hasn't been done already, for 05's). I believe some people have claimed the 8.1 does the same if not better on fuel than the 6.0 while boarding or surfing.

[Hrkdrivr]

We have the 8.1 and I've never regretted spending that money, except when I'm trying to work around that big bock...haha.

[willyt]

a friend said this once...
i've never heard anyone with a large motor say "man, i wish i had a smaller engine"

[Hrkdrivr]

Originally Posted by willyt

a friend said this once...
i've never heard anyone with a large motor say "man, i wish i had a smaller engine"

If some (power) is good, more is better and too much is just right!

[DBrown2]

How does the fuel consumption compare with the different engines?

[prostar205]

While I don't have an X-45, I do have the L-18 engine in my 2002 X-30 and absolutely LOVE it. I couldn't (and wouldn't) go any small than the 6.0L in an X-45. My preference would be the L-18.

[AZX45OD]

I had the MCX in my X30 and we burned between 4.5-5 gallons per hour. The number was closer to 4 for just boarding, and closer to 6 for surfing/tubing.

In my 6.0L Ilmor X45 we are burning closer to 6 gallons per hour, and probably more for tubing/surfing

[AZX45OD]

Aside from fuel consumption, the prior MC dealer here in AZ would only order the X45 with the 8.1. He felt it was underpowered otherwise, especially at elevation. I was wanting a 6.2, but the X45 I was able to deal on had the 6.0. I have been very pleased with the motor and the power despite my initial concerns.

You can do a search on here as there are a number of threads about fuel consumption. the consensus is that the 8.1 uses about the same or even less fuel than a smaller engine because it is not working as hard. I have not been able to verify personally.