Going from 260 to 320.

Steve.Lynette

New Member
Sep 9, 2008
193
Eagan, mn
Boat Info
2006 320DA
Engines
T-260
Bravo III
Finally decided to make the move. We're looking at a 2003 320 with T-496's. What kind of fuel consumption am I looking at?
 
As reference my 330 burns about 15 GPH on each engine at 30 MPH. My smartcraft indicates I run about 1 MPG. The good news is that boat has plenty of power (no need to use the tabs to get up on plane).
 
It depends on the drives if you have axius it will be about 23 to 25 gph at 30 mph if you have v drives then it is about 29 to 33 gph at 30 mph mine is a 350 da from a 300 da and I went from 22gph at 25 to 30 gph at 27 mph but you gain 7 ft loa and 2 ft beam much roomier and comfortable there are definatly trade offs drive slower in more comfort were as you are looking at an 03 you will be in the V drive numbers but significant space upgrade good luck
 
The bottom line is; If the cost of fuel is going to limit your boating time then I wouldn't do it. You will hate yourself later. If not, then go for it!
 
Its going to suck if you want to make any speed. My 2005 320 gets less than 1 mpg most of the time. If you are happy to be in trawler mode at 7 kts you can get it down to about 5-8 GPH, but if you want to get anywhere fast make sure there is a fuel dock at the other end!
 
Make shorter runs if you are concerned about it. If you are asking questions about fuel/economy and the big jump you should reconsider. I jumped from a 240DA to twins on a 280DA. The fuel consumption is more than double but it was my last concern in my mind.
 
Figure if you run the 320 like the 260 - the fuel bill will be at least double. I upgraded from a 260 big block to a 320 V-drive boat. I never idled in the 260. But I cruise around at 1600 rpm's fairly often and the boat used 5.5 gallons an hour. I add 100 gallons at a time and it get's expensive. The space in the 320 makes it worth the upgrade.
 
When you go from a deck boat to a cruiser it's is a different type of boating if you make it all about $$$ then you may need to re think cruising.if anybody that cruises 30+ ft boats actually let the dollars totally control cruising I for one wouldn't own one but fuel is the least of my concerns when boating if I spend $350 in fuel that's three nice dinners out or about 6 hours out for me and the admiral or 48 to 72 hours with friends and family on a weekend so I'd rather do the second choice it is all relative. You need to decide if your enjoyment is worth the $$$$$ good luck
 
Thanks all.
We know the fuel bills will be higher, but I think the increased comfort will be worth it. We're very excited!!
 
Here is my expererience, going from a 260 DA (85 gallon tank) to a Amberjack 290 (250 gallon tank with v's).

We usually run anywhere from 75-100 hours a season, so we run alot.

With the 260 we would top off the tanks pretty much every weekend. So every weekend when we pumped out it was ~$150 bucks. Admiral didn't really notice this and concidered it part of the weekend.

Now with a 14,000 lbs boat, we visit the fuel pump about once a month. Anywhere from $600 to the dreaded "Flip over" at the older analogue pumps. Thats a pretty dreadful feeling. The Admiral calls the boat "Miss Piggy". We add the once a month feeding to our normal boating budget. We really have not noticed much of a difference even though we are burning double the fuel.

We enjoy the boat much more however. Simply much better living conditions. The 10 foot 6 inch beam lets run in the larger parts of the Chesapeake and Atlantic which we really couldn't do in the smaller boat. No more rocking like a canoe. The v-drives with DTS has made docking a piece of cake and has made the entire launch, cruise and land procedures much more enjoyable. And the best part, this season, I am leaving her in the water and will be taking advantage of the wonderful November-December striped bass run.. Crap, this will save thousands of $$$ alone. I can't tell you have happy I am to get away from BIII just for this reason.

Overall, I would not concider fuel burn when upgrading, its a small part of the budget.
 
My experience going from 04 260/350 mag-B3 to 290AJ is similar to RjVA's...except i only do 30 hrs this season...twin horizon 300 with v drives...handles like a dream..drinks fuel like a drunk if run Fast...i cruise 22-25 mph abd burn28 gal hr.....dont regret upgrade at all..wider/heavier/Nice cockpit and cabin....always looking @ next boat..hope you enjoy your New Boat when it happens
 
I usually run around 3900 RPM's which is about 24 to 25 knots. Fuel burn is just around 30 gallons per hour. I actually get better fuel economy running up 3900 rpm's than I would at 3500. This chart should help.
320BoatTest.jpg
 
My experience going from 04 260/350 mag-B3 to 290AJ is similar to RjVA's...except i only do 30 hrs this season...twin horizon 300 with v drives...handles like a dream..drinks fuel like a drunk if run Fast...i cruise 22-25 mph abd burn28 gal hr.....dont regret upgrade at all..wider/heavier/Nice cockpit and cabin....always looking @ next boat..hope you enjoy your New Boat when it happens


30 hours! I do that on a weekend. You must have a lot of other toys!
 
Really look at the space in the engine room. My 320 had the 5.7 300HP small blocks (plenty for that boat) and I had very little room to work on the engines. I can't imagine having 8.1's in the same space! The boat will be faster but heavier and I would anticipate you burning pretty much what the 340 burns. There are deals out there so you may even want to look into a 340...
 
30 hours! I do that on a weekend. You must have a lot of other toys!
bmw convertible....marina replaced piers starting memorial dayweek,,no water/power/for 1 1/2 week ..no gas for a month..rained rained rained..may into mid june...2 weekend weddings including 1 in N.C this weekend...why are New england summers so Short?i did use it as my weekend condo and enjoy my dock neighbors..heres to next summer:smt038
 

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