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Which Is Better for a Marine Engine: Big Block or Small Block?

For boat enthusiasts, power is everything. Not surprisingly, a wide array of marine engines aims to deliver. But horsepower is not the only consideration when it comes to buying a boat engine. The size of the engine can affect performance. In addition, even lightweight engines offer serious advantages.

Identification
- Boat engines come in small-block and big-block varieties. Don't let the name fool you: A big-block engine does not necessarily have more horsepower. It is heavier than a small-block engine, of course, and while most small-block engines do provide less torque than big-block varieties, some small blocks can run with the big boys.
Small Block Pros and Cons
- A main advantage of small-block engines is their size. On some boats, a big-block engine is enough to weigh the craft down significantly. Small-block engines also get significantly better gas mileage.
Big Block Pros and Cons
- Big-block engines provide a lot of power, but this is advantageous only if your boat can handle the weight. If not, you will find little difference between a lighter and weaker small-block engine and a big block that packs more punch.

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