1983 Amberjack

[KnotHome83]

My names Tyler, I've been coming to this site for information for awhile and decided to share my vessel and hopefully get some more detailed answers to some questions I have.

My father in law retired and gave me his old boat in the spring of 2021. It was a 1981 Sea Ray Amberjack 255 with a 10ft beam and a single 454/trs outdrive. I've owned jet skis and a small jet boat before but this would be my first real boat. It was a really great running boat, he took great care of it mechanically. But it had a hole in the floor and the deck was soft, vinyl interior ripped, seats broken, bimini ripped. It was a mess.

But my wife and I loved having our own boat and the Amberjack size and style was perfect for us. That same summer, a buddy of mine was selling his Amberjack in my marina and was in MUCH better shape, well taken care of. It's a 1983 and had the same 454/trs outdrive. So I bought it. I had 2 Amberjacks in the water for awhile but ended up selling the '81.

Anyway, I've been coming to this site for awhile now and I know everyone loves pictures so I've attached a bunch. I've also noticed all the posts about early 80's Amberjacks are from many years ago. I wonder how many are still on here and running?

I really wanna get this boat into the best shape that I can and get more years of enjoyment from it. I have a lot of questions but I wanted to introduce myself first.

 

[Bill Curtis]

Nice boat, congrats.

Think the 25' area is the sweet spot in boat size, especially if trailered. Small enough to be relative easily launched and retrieved by a single person and big enough to give a nice stable ride. (miss my 25' Chaparral SX)

 

[Byron]

Welcome to CSR. Nice find. That 83 is a treasure.

 

[KnotHome83]

Nice boat, congrats.

Think the 25' area is the sweet spot in boat size, especially if trailered. Small enough to be relative easily launched and retrieved by a single person and big enough to give a nice stable ride. (miss my 25' Chaparral SX)

Thank you. I agree the size is perfect. It has a 10ft beam also. My wife and I just had our first child and this size boat is great for a family. I have a dock at a marina and only use the trailer for winter storage. The marina uses a hoist and only moves the trailer about 100 yards twice a year. But I'm hoping to move it closer to home for the winter in the future. Currently about 90 minutes away.

 

[Steve255AJ]

Welcome to CSR, I'm fairly new here as well.
That's a really nice looking 255AJ.
I've received some great help from people here on restoration questions and my 255 Amberjack is coming along very nicely.
Mine was basically a wreck when I got it, it had been abandoned at a marina in MN. But I got it so cheap I felt it was worth the risk.
The 10 foot beam, for me, is the most attractive benefit of the 255 AJ. It gives the boat a "big boat" feel when your on it, it's wide and stable. When My buddys come out fishing on lake Keowee in it they always have the same reaction, "man, this thing is so big for a 25 footer, it has so much deck space" I call it "the big fat boat" LOL.
It's just small enough that I can trailer it by myself and my F150 can tow it and just big enough to be comfortable for fishing, cruising and even staying out for a night on the lake. It really is the "sweet spot" of boat sizes like others have said. You get the width of a larger boat with the ability to trailer it whenever you want.
I wish I had the 330HP like yours, mine with the 260HP is under powered for sure, Sea Ray should have made the 330HP standard on such a wide boat.
I've done lots of work on mine this winter and it should be pretty much turn-key by next month and ready to hit the lake.
Since we have the same boat if you have any questions that you think I might be of assistance on please feel free to contact me.
Good luck with the Amberjack.
Steve.

 

[Bill Curtis]

Welcome to CSR, I'm fairly new here as well.
You get the width of a larger boat with the ability to trailer it whenever you want.
I wish I had the 330HP like yours, mine with the 260HP is under powered for sure, Sea Ray should have made the 330HP standard on such a wide boat.
Steve.

Had the 7.4 in my prior 2550 Chaparral SX Sport and at 5800 lbs, it was a perfect motor matched with the Bravo 1. Would do 50+ mph all day and took the chop very nicely at that speed. Best add on I did was Bennett 12 x 16 sport tabs. Handled so much better and was more stable.

This current boat, @ 3800lbs, has 454 Magnum and B3 which is almost too much, I think, for a 22.5'

Would love to find another mid to late 90's 25 footer cuddy with a bad motor. Would swap this 454 Mag and B3 into it and put a new small block w/ Alpha gen 2 in this boat and sell it.

 

[KnotHome83]

Welcome to CSR, I'm fairly new here as well.
That's a really nice looking 255AJ.
I've received some great help from people here on restoration questions and my 255 Amberjack is coming along very nicely.
Mine was basically a wreck when I got it, it had been abandoned at a marina in MN. But I got it so cheap I felt it was worth the risk.
The 10 foot beam, for me, is the most attractive benefit of the 255 AJ. It gives the boat a "big boat" feel when your on it, it's wide and stable. When My buddys come out fishing on lake Keowee in it they always have the same reaction, "man, this thing is so big for a 25 footer, it has so much deck space" I call it "the big fat boat" LOL.
It's just small enough that I can trailer it by myself and my F150 can tow it and just big enough to be comfortable for fishing, cruising and even staying out for a night on the lake. It really is the "sweet spot" of boat sizes like others have said. You get the width of a larger boat with the ability to trailer it whenever you want.
I wish I had the 330HP like yours, mine with the 260HP is under powered for sure, Sea Ray should have made the 330HP standard on such a wide boat.
I've done lots of work on mine this winter and it should be pretty much turn-key by next month and ready to hit the lake.
Since we have the same boat if you have any questions that you think I might be of assistance on please feel free to contact me.
Good luck with the Amberjack.
Steve.

Thank you Steve. I've seen a lot of your posts in my searching around this site. I couldn't agree more on the beam size. It's set the standard for any future boats for sure. This is the perfect boat for me because it seems like longer boats just have more cabin space and I have no use for a galley. The bed and a head is perfect.

I couldn't imagine a smaller engine, what's your top speed? I only get about 25 mph WOT. Which is one of the things I came to this site for info about. Other than that it runs great but I need a new prop and it seems hard to find. What outdrive do you have?

 

[Steve255AJ]

With the 260 HP engine my boat struggles a bit to get up on plane and I need to be at 4000RPM to get the boat up on plane quickly. Then I back down to 3700RPM and she stays on a nice plane. It will stay on plane as low as 3400 but if I hit any wave action it will fall out so I usually stay at 3700 and that is 18MPH. WOT is about 4300 and I am at 24MPH according to the GPS. I think the previous owner changed the prop, it has a 4 blade on it and a 3 blade was in a box in storage area when I got her.
I'll post more pictures of mine after I uncover her next month, the boating season starts in mid March here, whick is nice, much better than where I used to live in Massachusetts, LOL.
These pictures are from just after I got the boat and had cleaned up the cabin. I hadn't even started the work on the outside yet or worked on the engine.
Luckly for me the original owner had maintained it extremely well, it was the second owner who had abandoned it. He had only owned it for 2 years then left it in strorage in 2018 and I bought it in 2021.
I found the original owners packet in the galley and it had all the maintenance records in it. The engine started right up but ran rough when I got it. I cleaned the intake and did full tune up and that thing starts right up and runs so smooth now.
Got to head to work now, I'll add more pics and info soon.
BTW, what lake to you keep your boat on?

 

[Steve255AJ]

Oh, I know what I've got, believe me,.....a BIG FAT BOAT with too small of an engine, LOL.
Luckily, I'm not in a race on the lake, mostly I just putt around, do some fishing and enjoy the scenery and peace and quiet. I would never have bought this boat with this engine for the ocean.
Needless to say though, if and when the time comes for repowering I will be getting an engine with at least 315HP or more. I have seen a site that has the "drop in replacement" fuel injected version of the 5.7L, according to them it's a simple swap because all the connections are basically the same and the engine mounts are the same and they even put the oil filter on top so it's easy to get at. That engine has 315HP and is more fuel efficient. They claim the stern drive and transom plate don't have to be changed either.
My engine has 1400 hours on it and runs like new. I change the oil and filter every 50 hours and the oil looks perfectly clean when it comes out. I know it won't last forever but I'm going to get as much life out of it as I can before replacement. I would be thrilled if it goes to 2000 hours or more. At least then I'd feel I got my $$ worth out of it and wouldn't feel that bad about spending $12000 on a new engine.

 

[Bill Curtis]

Plate can be universal between Alpha and Bravo IF the alpha is a Gen 2. Not if a Gen 1

 

[KnotHome83]

With the 260 HP engine my boat struggles a bit to get up on plane and I need to be at 4000RPM to get the boat up on plane quickly. Then I back down to 3700RPM and she stays on a nice plane. It will stay on plane as low as 3400 but if I hit any wave action it will fall out so I usually stay at 3700 and that is 18MPH. WOT is about 4300 and I am at 24MPH according to the GPS. I think the previous owner changed the prop, it has a 4 blade on it and a 3 blade was in a box in storage area when I got her.
I'll post more pictures of mine after I uncover her next month, the boating season starts in mid March here, whick is nice, much better than where I used to live in Massachusetts, LOL.
These pictures are from just after I got the boat and had cleaned up the cabin. I hadn't even started the work on the outside yet or worked on the engine.
Luckly for me the original owner had maintained it extremely well, it was the second owner who had abandoned it. He had only owned it for 2 years then left it in strorage in 2018 and I bought it in 2021.
I found the original owners packet in the galley and it had all the maintenance records in it. The engine started right up but ran rough when I got it. I cleaned the intake and did full tune up and that thing starts right up and runs so smooth now.
Got to head to work now, I'll add more pics and info soon.
BTW, what lake to you keep your boat on?

Interesting, I did not know the 255 could have a fridge and dining table in the cabin. I've attached the best picture that I have of my cabin. I only have a small sink to the left and no table. There's also a sort of "closet" rod for hanging clothes.

My boat also struggles to get on plane if I have more than 2 people aboard. At some point a previous owner replaced the throttle control. It seems like the throttle hits the dashboard and there is still room to travel. I've attached a picture of the dash as well. I can only get a WOT rpm of 3600. Which to me I think is a fine cruising speed. But I need more to get on plane faster. I plan on raising the throttle up 3/4" with a piece of teak under it, hopefully that allows the throttle to go all the way forward before hitting the dash.

My prop has chip in it the size of a quarter. Fixing the throttle and replacing the prop I think she'll run much better.

Your boat is very clean, I like that seating set up better than mine. I also got lucky, the guy I bought it from is a buddy and he's very meticulous with all of his toys. I boat on Lake Eire in the Sandusky area.

 

[270win]

I had a single 260 merc 255 a few years back. Loved the boat! But not enough power.

I’ve been thinking about putting an Armstrong bracket with twin 250 Yamaha outboards on one. The space freed up would be perfect for a gen, ac and fish boxes. I love these older AJ’s.

 

[Steve255AJ]

Yes, Tyler, The 255s could be ordered with the "weekender package" which basically set the cabin up like a 260 weekender. I have an alcohol stove (which I'm going to replace with a propane one) a sink and an ice box (which still works great). It has a good amount of counter space there as well. This set up is very useful when I stay out on the boat overnight which I do about 5 times per summer.
I don't think your throttle is operating fully, WOT should be between 4200 and 4500RPMs. The throttle lever definitely shouldn't hit the dash panel.
That damage to the prop will substantially effect performance and will probably cause a vibration as well, I'd definitely replace it. I have a brand new one (3 blade) if you'd like to buy it.
I do like the seating on my boat. The vinyl was all cracked so I had them re-upholstered last March, they look much better now. More expensive than I thought it would be , $1200. I repaired and lubricated all the tracks so they do fold down to lounges as well, which is nice. The boat cleaned up pretty well considering her condition when I got her. Rotted leaves and pine needles piled into the deck and cabin. Cabin had about 6 inches of water and goop from rotted leaves and such, black mold and the like. Bilge had even more water and bigger mess. Lots of comet cleanser with bleach and lots of elbow grease did the trick for most of it. It had electrical problems and leaks, needed a starter, trim pump and stern drive work but I was able to take care of almost all of it myself.
When I picked it up I thought "oh, god, what have I done" but everything turned out better than I thought it would and I'm really glad I took a chance on it. She thanks me every day I take it out for saving it's life, LOL.
That's a nice area will lots of islands to go to and an "ocean" of fresh water as well.
I'll post some newer pics soon.

 

[El Capitan]

I had a 1981 SRV240 cuddy cabin that the po dropped a new 454 300hp w Bravo I drive. It ran great. Cruise at 3000 rpms 28mph-30 mph.
It was over propped with a 23 inch SS 3-blade that I reduced to 21. Ran 45mph WOT @ 4200 rpm.

 

[KnotHome83]

Yes, Tyler, The 255s could be ordered with the "weekender package" which basically set the cabin up like a 260 weekender. I have an alcohol stove (which I'm going to replace with a propane one) a sink and an ice box (which still works great). It has a good amount of counter space there as well. This set up is very useful when I stay out on the boat overnight which I do about 5 times per summer.
I don't think your throttle is operating fully, WOT should be between 4200 and 4500RPMs. The throttle lever definitely shouldn't hit the dash panel.
That damage to the prop will substantially effect performance and will probably cause a vibration as well, I'd definitely replace it. I have a brand new one (3 blade) if you'd like to buy it.
I do like the seating on my boat. The vinyl was all cracked so I had them re-upholstered last March, they look much better now. More expensive than I thought it would be , $1200. I repaired and lubricated all the tracks so they do fold down to lounges as well, which is nice. The boat cleaned up pretty well considering her condition when I got her. Rotted leaves and pine needles piled into the deck and cabin. Cabin had about 6 inches of water and goop from rotted leaves and such, black mold and the like. Bilge had even more water and bigger mess. Lots of comet cleanser with bleach and lots of elbow grease did the trick for most of it. It had electrical problems and leaks, needed a starter, trim pump and stern drive work but I was able to take care of almost all of it myself.
When I picked it up I thought "oh, god, what have I done" but everything turned out better than I thought it would and I'm really glad I took a chance on it. She thanks me every day I take it out for saving it's life, LOL.
That's a nice area will lots of islands to go to and an "ocean" of fresh water as well.
I'll post some newer pics soon.

I really like that cabin set up. The counter space and the middle table especially. The only flat work surface I have is the cover that goes over the little sink. Fridge is cool too but my marina doesn't have electric so it wouldn't get used much.
Hopefully I'm able to fix the throttle. I agree it shouldn't hit the dash. I have the owners manual for the new throttle and it has schematic showing the lever travelling forward more than 90 degrees. I think raising it a bit will give it the clearance it needs.
My father in law may have a spare prop from the old boat. We're going to check the marina on Saturday. What are the specs on that 3 blade prop you have? We have different outdrives so it might not be what I need. But if it is I may buy it from you.
Sounds like your boat was in rough shape when you found her. Must be really satisfying to be out enjoying her all cleaned up. Look forward to more pics.
We try to get to Kelleys Island (20 minute ride) and Put in Bay (45 minute ride) as mush as possible.

 

[Steve255AJ]

My 255AJ does not have A/C power, the "fridge" is just an ice box (fancy name for a built in cooler) However, I will say, it works very well, I put bag of ice in it early on a Sat morning and stay out on the boat and come back late Sunday afternoon and there is still plenty of ice and everything is cold. It drains overboard and is easy to clean.
I've been trying to find a 2 burner propane stove to replace the 2 burner alcohol stove that is there. That counter space IS very useful to have when working on things in the cabin or making a sandwich or something. It also has storage under the stove area and that's where I plan to put the small propane tank (camping type size) for the new stove, when I find one that fits.
I will pull out the prop I have and take some pictures for you. It looks new to me but may have been used a bit before it was replaced. I'm not sure of the specs. Maybe there are some markings on it that would identify the specs.
I'm sure repositioning the throttle will help. As long as you can get it to the point where the engine gets to at least 4300RPM I'd say you would be good.
I will get my camera out by Saturday and take some pictures of the prop and more of the interior.

 

[El Capitan]

Guys, you do understand propane = bomb, right?

 

[Steve255AJ]

I was able to remove the old cooktop from the galley, it was very easy.
I appreciate the warning and I do understand that propane is more dangerous than alcohol. I have found a site that sells the cooktops for marine use and properly installed, used and ventilated have been utilized on boats.
I found one that almost fits perfectly in the same spot and is flush with the galley top like the old one. It has the same width but is a bit shorter, so I'll fabricate some galley top in the back to make it fit properly. This site also sells the kit to convert it to the small one-pound tanks and the special regulator that mounts to the cabinet underneath to step down the pressure to 0.5 for the cooktop.
I took some pictures of the galley, seats and cabin tonight when I was working on it.

 

[Cheap Guy]

I had a single 260 merc 255 a few years back. Loved the boat! But not enough power.

I’ve been thinking about putting an Armstrong bracket with twin 250 Yamaha outboards on one. The space freed up would be perfect for a gen, ac and fish boxes. I love these older AJ’s.

After watching way too many YT videos, I did a quick cost analysis of doing something like that, instead of doing something like swapping in a new EFI engine with Vortec heads. It wasn't close - unless you already own the Yams and can do all the modifications yourself and even then, you'd probably have a boat with very low resell value. The Alpha can handle around 300 hp or a tad bit more according to what I've read, so long as you don't bang on it hard. Will 300 hp push these boat anywhere close to the the 500 hp you'd get with the conversion? No, but if you want to go fast, it's probably a lot cheaper to start from scratch and get a 454, maybe even twins, on a different boat. Having said all that, it does sound like a great project if done by the right person.

 

[KnotHome83]

My 255AJ does not have A/C power, the "fridge" is just an ice box (fancy name for a built in cooler) However, I will say, it works very well, I put bag of ice in it early on a Sat morning and stay out on the boat and come back late Sunday afternoon and there is still plenty of ice and everything is cold. It drains overboard and is easy to clean.
I've been trying to find a 2 burner propane stove to replace the 2 burner alcohol stove that is there. That counter space IS very useful to have when working on things in the cabin or making a sandwich or something. It also has storage under the stove area and that's where I plan to put the small propane tank (camping type size) for the new stove, when I find one that fits.
I will pull out the prop I have and take some pictures for you. It looks new to me but may have been used a bit before it was replaced. I'm not sure of the specs. Maybe there are some markings on it that would identify the specs.
I'm sure repositioning the throttle will help. As long as you can get it to the point where the engine gets to at least 4300RPM I'd say you would be good.
I will get my camera out by Saturday and take some pictures of the prop and more of the interior.

That's really cool. Now you have me thinking about building some kind of cabinet like that lol. Carpentry is one of my winter hobbies. Even just for the storage and counter space. I've also not been able to get the sinks working. I think I need a new pump. Another project for this season.

Seats look really good too. Pricey but worth it. I can't get my port side seat to lay down. It's stuck on something it feels like. Man, you're reminding me of a lot projects I have to do lol.