SDX 270 Outboard - thoughts?

Jimbo270 said:
Depending on how you use the boat would determine which engine. Personally, we use our boat for water sports, swimming and picnicking. The outboard is just in the way when using the swim platform. Yes, there is room on either side of the OB but, you can't sit several folks on the platform splashing their feet in the water. Also, the OB is exposing swimmers to the prop. I'm in fresh water and may have a different opinion if it were used in salt water.
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I'll be in fresh water too. Same use, just on the other side of the state in Lake Michigan, in and around Holland. I used to go to Metropark as a kid as we have family in Macomb, Frasier, St. Clair Shores and Roseville.

My father-in-law had a 24ft sun deck with full swim platform and sitting on the back is nice. The prop/drive is still there, just a little tucked under. I think I only kicked it once a long time ago. The lack of an exposed prop has always made the Yamaha jet boats attractive, in the 230AR/SX and 242 Limited offerings.
 
Jmac572 said:
I just pulled the trigger on a 290 SDX with twin 225's and its the best boat ive owned. Ive been back and forth between I/Os and Outboards over the years... 4 boats with I/Os and 3 with Outboards. I can't say this firmly enough - I will NEVER own another I/O. I took a chance on my last 330 Sundancer knowing the issues I have had in the past with sterndrives (only one was trouble free) believing if I spent more and maintained the boat like a pro I could be happy. WRONG. Outboard motors are engineered for the marine environment, installing a car engine in a boat is a recipe for disaster. With outboards when you're on the hook the gear is out of the water. I really like the look of the new 320 Sundancer with trip outboards, the simplicity and reliability of outboard motors just can't be beat... And in 2018 they are the most fuel efficient and quietest motors out there.

My 290 SDX has a tow point for watersports that clears the motors and with twin 225s theres plenty of power. The only thing i'm missing from my new boat is the ability to weekend on it, I loved my 330 for that. But lets be real, youre on these boats to enjoy the sun and weather, and the new deck layout of the 270 & 290 is awesome for that. They're party boats for sure.
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I just ordered a 290 OB after selling my 280 dancer. Same reasons you just described. do you have any info or pictures on the tow point you put on. i havent figured out an easy way for watersports. My dealer said use a y-cord around engines but i dont like that idea at all
thanks
 
280 Gator said:
I just ordered a 290 OB after selling my 280 dancer. Same reasons you just described. do you have any info or pictures on the tow point you put on. i havent figured out an easy way for watersports. My dealer said use a y-cord around engines but i dont like that idea at all
thanks
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If you have the sport tower like I have in my profile pic then the tow point is already on your boat.... Its rated for 300 pounds I believe?? and it fully clears both engines, its the same tow point that the super high end wakeboard boats have (MasterCraft, Malibu, etc), they all tow from the top of the tower, not the stern of the boat.
tow point.png
 
Jmac572 said:
If you have the sport tower like I have in my profile pic then the tow point is already on your boat.... Its rated for 300 pounds I believe?? and it fully clears both engines, its the same tow point that the super high end wakeboard boats have (MasterCraft, Malibu, etc), they all tow from the top of the tower, not the stern of the boat.View attachment 54921
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Thanks, i need to make sure i get the sport tower it sounds like
 
"the new SDX models have a huge sun 'couch' on the rear. The 270 OB also still has a full swim platform.
Very smart design."

Which you can't use when skiing/tubing because the pole is mounted fore of the couch, correct?
 
The couch can't be used underway because there is not a rail on it so not a suitable seat according to coast guard rules. But correct, the ski pylon is in the backrest so the rope would be in the way for the rear seat.
 
Owned a 23’ Hurricane deck boat for 14 years, Yamaha 200, always started first time, each year, saltwater. Access to back of the boat was not an issue, we towed skiers, tubers, knee-boarders, wake boarders, never an issue. Only 2 things went wrong with the engine, oil pump failed, but engine would run for 20 minutes until you needed to add oil to the reservoir, and a relay went bad, caused the trim to take about 5-7 tries to engage and get the engine out the water, 250$ part? Super easy for mechanics to access, no crawling around bilge, no exposed parts no meant for marine environment (pulleys, alternators, serpentine belts, etc)
 
Someone in our marina has a 32’ Regal with twin Yamaha 300s, when that boat is 5 years old, I might go that direction. Sea Ray’s Venture might be something I purchase, but I would really want it repowered with Yamahas.
 
paulswagelock said:
The couch can't be used underway because there is not a rail on it so not a suitable seat according to coast guard rules. But correct, the ski pylon is in the backrest so the rope would be in the way for the rear seat.
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On the 290 the ski pylon is up high on the tower so I would assume it would clear anyone sitting on the back of the boat. However just like you pointed out, Im pretty sure the rear facing seats are not meant to be used underway.
 
spikedaddy99 said:
"the new SDX models have a huge sun 'couch' on the rear. The 270 OB also still has a full swim platform.
Very smart design."

Which you can't use when skiing/tubing because the pole is mounted fore of the couch, correct?
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You can either order the boat with a "couch" or two rear facing lounge seats (at least on the 290, not sure about the 270). Although the ski pylon is mounted fore of this area, its up high so any lines should clear the heads of any rear passengers. BUT as people have mentioned I believe these seats are not meant to be used underway.
 
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Looking through old posts and realized I said I would update with more run time on my 270 Sdx OB. Second season is coming to a close. I have 150 hours on the motor, so lots of use for a northern boat in 2 years. The motor has been flawless. Smooth, quiet, good on fuel, and plenty power for for this boat. I have had 13 people on board and it still plained out very quickly. Winterization is a super simple job sitting on a chair beside the motor. Oil change and lower unit oil change and all is done. No antifreeze needed, no fears of if I got the water out, etc. Friend purchased the same boat with the 350hp Merc designed IO. I can out run him in every scenario from dead stop to mid range acceleration to top speed. I use less fuel than him everywhere except WOT.

Only “negative” is that this thing is terrible in reverse compared to an IO. Backing into my slip is much much harder.
 
Paul... in regards to your backing up into a slip... as you likely already know, a sterndrive with a Bravo 3 drive does make quite a bit of difference. Maybe one day they'll have that for OB's!

However, one thing I'll pass along that may help... and this is primarily for any OB that is set back from the transom a bit... If the engine is trimmed down, the thrust from the prop when in reverse smashes into the stern and limits your maneuverability. Trimming it up so the thrust goes UNDER the transom will help. It's not a "night and day" difference, but I have noticed it to be helpful with any bracket-mounted OB I run, which is very similar to what you have.
 
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