RichieRitz
Active Member
Looking to purchase
1998 215 EC.
- Thread starter RichieRitz
- Start date
Bill Curtis
Well-Known Member
- Mar 24, 2022
- 1,007
- Boat Info
- '95 220 Overnighter
454 Mag. Bravo3 w/ 2.0:1 gears and 28 pitch props
- Engines
- 454 Mag Bravo3. 2.0:1 ratio gears w/ 28 pitch props
The 215 isn't a large / heavy boat, so any extra weight may make it list, like both batteries on same side (if it has 2), a water tank or extra gear stored.
Of course there could be problems with it retaining water on one side, due to saturated foam and such. But I would look at weight distribution, first, before going crazy over it.
Of course there could be problems with it retaining water on one side, due to saturated foam and such. But I would look at weight distribution, first, before going crazy over it.
- Mar 11, 2013
- 6,810
- Boat Info
- Sara Belle
2005 Weekender 215
- Engines
- Mercruiser 5.0 mpi, Bravo III
Mine slightly lists mainly because I have two group 31’s on the starboard side. That is also where I usually place my cooler as well.
RichieRitz
Active Member
Is 5.7 ok vs the 5.0 ? I think I’d prefer the smaller one for fuel economy but can’t pick and choose a lot on used boats…comments appreciated.
RichieRitz
Active Member
How tough to replace ammeter? Could be a ground but it’s staying pegged. So no idea. Yet
Bill Curtis
Well-Known Member
- Mar 24, 2022
- 1,007
- Boat Info
- '95 220 Overnighter
454 Mag. Bravo3 w/ 2.0:1 gears and 28 pitch props
- Engines
- 454 Mag Bravo3. 2.0:1 ratio gears w/ 28 pitch props
5.0 or 5.7, either one. If you aren't blasting around at WOT (or close to it), fuel consumption should be comparable, depending how 2 are set up exactly the same. If you are blasting around at WOT, fuel economy is out the window anyway, so it doesn't matter.
There will be times the extra power will be cherished or could save your bacon in some cases.
For example, your target 215 and my 220 are almost the same size and close in weight. Mine has the 454 Magnum in it. My wife likes cruising around @ 25-30 mph. No problem. My 220 does that at under 3k RPM with the Bravo 3 and 28 pitch props. and just sips fuel at that load.
But when she isn't there, Son and I blast away giving absolutely no consideration to fuel economy, which is kind of off the charts.. That's the nature of power boating.
There will be times the extra power will be cherished or could save your bacon in some cases.
For example, your target 215 and my 220 are almost the same size and close in weight. Mine has the 454 Magnum in it. My wife likes cruising around @ 25-30 mph. No problem. My 220 does that at under 3k RPM with the Bravo 3 and 28 pitch props. and just sips fuel at that load.
But when she isn't there, Son and I blast away giving absolutely no consideration to fuel economy, which is kind of off the charts.. That's the nature of power boating.
- Mar 11, 2013
- 6,810
- Boat Info
- Sara Belle
2005 Weekender 215
- Engines
- Mercruiser 5.0 mpi, Bravo III
I should have said; "my other starboard side" Mine lists to port because that's where my batts and cooler sits.
Christo
Active Member
I have the 225WE and mine has the 5.0, I wish it had the bigger engine. Bills right, unless you’re balls to the wall with the throttle, it’s pretty decent on gas.
