Is 400 enough on an 18 SL?

[pedel]

I have a 2018 SL450, and now my buddy is looking to upgrade from his master craft. He found a great looking SL400 and is about to pull the trigger. He’ll use it at sea level, so elevation isn’t an issue. Can anyone confirm that the 400 is enough engine in the 18 (pre-new transmission)? My set up for surf is full ballast +900lbs lead, and he will likely do the same. Primary usage is surf (no wakeboarding).

Thanks in advance!


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[Shoebox]

If it seems like it's "not enough", re-prop it. It'll be plenty, especially at sea level.

[MJHSupra]

2018 SL 400 works fine in Knoxville. Never any surf issues with add'l lead and people.
We do not run full ballast wakeboarding at 22mph.

If I bought new, it would be the 400.
Used boats would be either 400 or 450.
Yea, a 450 would be nice, so would the update trans ratio on a new model.

[dakota4ce]

I have a 2018 SL450, and now my buddy is looking to upgrade from his master craft. He found a great looking SL400 and is about to pull the trigger. He’ll use it at sea level, so elevation isn’t an issue. Can anyone confirm that the 400 is enough engine in the 18 (pre-new transmission)? My set up for surf is full ballast +900lbs lead, and he will likely do the same. Primary usage is surf (no wakeboarding).

Thanks in advance!


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Am I missing something here......you two would have the exact same transmission by my calculations. Did the change not occur in the middle of the 2019 model year?

[MJHSupra]

Am I missing something here......you two would have the exact same transmission by my calculations. Did the change not occur in the middle of the 2019 model year?

That is what I recall.

2018 was the same 1.5 ratio.

2019 was the 450/1.76 was a mid-year change. I do not think the 400s had that.

2020s was 400 and 450 @ 1.76

The 550 motors never had that option.

[pedel]

Yes hats correct. I know that the 18 450 is plenty and just wanted to confirm that the 400 with that ratio was good to go.


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[larry_arizona]

I would say your limiting factor on an SL 400 at sea level would be wakeboarding full ballast at 23mph and honestly it probably will still pull it.

Surf will be no issue with a 2775 prop.


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[Kotzen]

Amazing that's my future dream ! i'm saving some money for doing that in the future