Triple Spacing for E-Tec's

I was asked this question and need some help. Are the new big block E-Tec's wider than the Mercury 3L's? I know on the Mercury's they get closer together when you turn them.

Thanks
Edd

 

I don't know about the big blocks, but the small block E-Tecs seem to be about the same as the direct injected small blocks. And I can't help at all with comparing to Merc, since we haven't had mercs on our boats since 99 or 2000.

 

They are pretty significantly wider unfortunately. Mad-City has theirs on jackplates to allow for additional spacing for steering and good water flow.

The 3.3L's are 22.88 inches wide, and since they are a 90 degree block and get wider as you go back on the cowl/pan, they do get closer together as you turn. 3.0L optis are 21" wide or so aren't they?

The Ficht/DI small blocks were 18.5 inches wide and the new E-Tec small blocks are 19.5 inches wide.

 

If you look at this picture you can see that in static position with a standard 26" centerline spacing there is about 3" between them. While we are not planning to build a big block triple, I may play with things a bit this fall to see how tight they can be mounted without cowls rubbing.

 

I would bet you aren't going to get very much closer than what you have now. How close are they when turned all the way in one direction?

 

I don't remember, but I think it is a little more than an inch.

 

The thing you have to remember is that with a triple the need to steer full lock to lock is only really utilized around the dock. You can also use your motors in forward and reverse to turn the boat very tight. With our Yamaha four strokes we had steering stops so the cowls would not hit each other. Those were 20.5 inches wide if I remember right.

 

Just because you don't need to, doesn't mean it's not going to happen. If you have steering locks at the appropriate place, then you should be fine. If not, they are going bump into each other. Plus, I still like being able to get as much steering as possible out of our triple at times. I know for ATB, I will go lock to lock.

 

Thanks Guys I thought you said the 3.3L's were wider but wasn't sure.

Also RiverRat how many atb skiers do you pull with the triple? Also how much weight do you put in the bow? We have 1000lbs.
It drives like a tank! :lol:

Edd

 

I think the most I've pulled with the triple so far is 4. I know we've done 5 before, but I think that was propably the twin, and I was skiing. I believe we only have about 250-300 lbs in the bow. Even at that, once you get above25, you better be trimming, or it's gonna roll up on it's left side.