270SLX or 270SDX

cgilfond

New Member
Sep 9, 2018
4
Boat Info
2008 Fairline Targa 47
Engines
496 Mercruiser HO w/ Bravo III
Hi All,
New to CSR and looking for input from the community for guidance on considerations re the above boats, both with less than 200 hrs and asking similar prices. The SLX has the 495 :) but not the Cosra exhaust :(, a fridge and generally sportier but 5 years older. The SDX is 5 years newer has the more practical layout, but has the 350MAG which I am concerns may be underpowered for costal day cruising with 6-8 people if we want to tube, wake and waterski after lunch.

the then "New" 270 SLX was heavily reviewed in 2011 model year when the dropped the Select EX designation (can imagine the conversations around the alternatives to "SLX")...
My question after having trolled the internet and looked a lot of photos, videos and articles is what are the substantive differences between a 2010 SLX and the "New Version" introduced in 2011 that generated all the reviews. From the photos they look identical except for the toggle switches to the right of the helm that seemed to move to the left side.

If there are any dealers that can contact me with soldboat data for each that would be a big help to understand what I should expect to pay and which one is the better deal.

Also if anyone has the 2010 MSRP and dealer invoice prices for the 270SLX that would be helpful to assess the fair depreciated value.

Last question is when members talk about a general rule of thumb of 10% of price new in depreciation/yr for the first five years (i.e. boat is 50% of new after year 5) and then 5%/yr for the next 10 years (i.e. boat is 25% of new after 10 years), is that generally based on MSRP or what someone paid new (understand typical deal is 10-20% off MSRP for new SR this size).

Thanks, hope to get a deal done before spring 2019
 
The Slx270 remained virtually unchanged its entire run. Sure it had different upholstery, different dash switches, etc, but other than trim, it remained pretty constant.

I have owned the 2008 SLX270 with the 496 and every factory option, I currently own a 2018 SDX270 with a 300hp outboard, and I helped a friend purchase a 2017 SDX270 with the Merc developed 6.2 350 hp Bravo 3 combination.
I know both these boats well.

As for the engine, the 350mag is a great, reliable, proven engine. In that boat, it will be a 42 mph boat, and easily get on plain with 6 people while pulling a tube. That boat performs better with 350 hp when it is an IO, but 300 is ok. Mine with a 300 hp SC Verado runs circles around the 350 hp IO, but that is a different topic.

The SLX is fancier, a bit heavier so it rides better, and overall has better finishes and construction. However, the rear sun pad layout is difficult to use when there are people on board, and the fridge hardly ever gets used so you give up seating and storage space. It performs perfectly with the 496. Will handle 10 people and rip onto plain. It is a 47 mph boat.

Both are nice boats. If you have specific comparison questions, let me know.
 
Probably has closed cooling with the 496 and Raw water cooled 350 mag.

If that’s correct, I would lean toward the 496 equipped boat.

Also, does the newer boat have catalysts on the exhaust?
 
Thanks guys. A couple of the 2011 reviews talked about what a great job SR did getting rid of caulk seams that year? is that something to consider? they look identical.. agree the boat seems very consistent until the 280 redesign.

Don't all the 496 HOs have closed freshwater cooling?

I think the SDX is obviously the more practical all around. Probably less maintenance (newer and no sink/DC fridge to mess with), more seating in cockpit and bow, reversing seat backs are really smart (also saw those on the current Formula BRs), and probably less thirsty when cruising with the smaller displacement engine. Curious if you found your passengers use the drop-down arm rests in the SDX bow seating (SLX does not seem to have those).

The SLX is older but had the water sport arch, sink/fridge (which we would likely use since we typically go out for the day and picnic not the boat) and the large engine option so I don't have to worry about skiing the kids if we can have a few guests. The SLX now asking $69k vs. $80 for the newer SLX.

Since you have bought and owned both SLX and SDXs curious as to your thoughts on the value of the 2010 SLX and newer 2015 SDX.


Curious if either if you miss the SLX or have not looked back and love the SDX.

I am not considering OB bc I like the open stern platform for swimming etc but have read they run really well on the 300 Vorado.
 
The caulk seams was more a marketing item. My 2008 had none.
All 496 would be closed cooling, it is the 8.1 not 8.2 correct?

My armrests do get used, but not often. Not a deal breaker for sure.
I had my 270 slx and 270 SDX side by side. The SLX was longer, but all of the additional length was the anchor locker and bow point, the seating areas were the same.

So I miss the SLX / 496 some days just for the pure grunt and power, but it used significantly more fuel, especially the deeper you got into it. It was more elegant with the curves and large windshield, and overall better attention to details in build quality. It rode a bit better, but I am inland and the only waves are wakes from other boats.
However, if I have 6-8 people on board, the SDX has better space and the rear conversation area is incredible. If I would regularly have 10 on board, the SLX handled the weight better. The SDX is a better passenger boat where the SLX is a better captains boat.

In the end, I picked the SDX for the space and usability of the layout. There are trade offs to consider for that usability though.
 
the SLX boat as the attached version of the 496 HO. I think its the newer 8.1L version yes?
188 hours over 8 seasons in salt water (2 months per year). Do people think the manifolds, risers and elbows could need to be replaced bc of age give the low hours? Do these engines have a computer diagnostic that makes them easy to test/assess with a tester/computer like modern cars?

thanks


upload_2018-9-13_2-42-14.jpeg
 
They do have a computer that stores information, and should be checked prior to purchasing.
Regarding risers and manifolds, I am a fresh water boater, but I would plan on changing those on an 8 year old salt water boat. I think you would be on borrowed time. I believe the risers usually are fine on the 8.1 and it is just the manifolds but maybe a salty boater can clarify since I never had to worry about that on mine. But figure a $3000 expense or more.
 

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