1987 Pachanga/Need help

[transbuilder1]

Hello All;
I have about 24 hours to decide on a project. I have my eyes on a 1987 32 Pacaahnga with no power. Had small blocks with alpha's. Price is right in my eyes for this. Just looking for any input on these boats. How did these hold up with big blocks in them and the alpha's? I know the alpha's wont handle any really hard hole shots but what about cruising and non detrimental whole shots. How did these run with twin 260 h.p merc's?
Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

[SloBurn]

You're right on the hole shots, be easy on those old drives. I've got 340 HP 7.4 L with an Alpha I, just blew the original top end of the drive after 28 years. And that was on an 8 hour trip. So, 260's should be OK, as long as you take it easy.

 

[transbuilder1]

Thanks Slo Burn
Any Pachanga owners have some more info on the 32 with twin 260 h.p. small blocks? Seeing as their is no power in the boat right now I figured a couple of 300 h.p. small blocks would be okay seeing as the torque is still down from the big block set-up

 

[transbuilder1]

Thanks Sloburn;
Any other Pachanga owners out there running the twin small blocks in a 32? I would think the alpha's would handle a couple 300 h.p. small blocks seeing as they still wouldn't have the big torque numbers like the big blocks.

 

[fwebster]

Here is a different approach...........

Mercury distributors who sell to boat builders cannot sell a 2016 engine to a builder who is building for 2017. That means somewhere in the Mercury system distributors will make a deal on a complete engine/drive set ups that are now a year old but still have full factory warranties. Pachangas are great boats but a 32 "needs" more than small block power. If you go with a complete repower, you have a blank sheet of paper on your design board.

Good luck with it............

 

[suss1173]

I agree with the above, the 32 needs more then 300 hp. My pachanga 27 with twin 5.7's runs a solid 55, and my boat it much lighter then a 32.

BTW- mine is for sale too. I upgraded to a 30 foot sundancer. They are all great boats. But IMO the 32 is more hull then the 27 and not much more "usable" space. That's why I went with a 27. Again, all great boats IMO, just need to go with what will suit your needs.