280 DA performance

[Tail Chaser 661]

I cant wait till I repower with a 496ci in my boat.
I am leaning toward a Volvo duoprop package.

The twins are for people who like to have an extra engine to work on. :smt101

Or is it a spare engine used for ballast, and a emergency backup engine :huh:

The 5.0 engine has like 300ft lbs of tq at 3600rpm?
The 8.1 engine has like 509 ft lbs of tq at 3200rpm.

From what I have read.
A duo prop will get you another 3 mph cruise speed over a single prop.

If you are buying new.
Take a look at the Volvo Package.
Stronger drive and better impeller and fwc setup.
The blocks are the same.

 

[ChiefScientist]

Hi -

Performance and Economy first impressions.

I'm down to 1/3 in my first tank on a new 2008 280DA 496 Bravo III with DTS. So far, I'm running about 3200-3300 RPM on plane, about 14.2 GPH and "near 30." as measured by Smartcraft. I say near, because the combo everything Radar/GPS/FLIR/etc., isn't installed yet - I'll know more then. Typically, it's 3 to 5 adults on board and full water, genny, etc.. I've seen it as low as 13.5 and as much as 15.5GPH as measured by Smartcraft. I have no idea where the speed masurement is coming from, but I hope not a unreliable pitot. I will be very happy with the economy and performance if it keeps up.

I'm running with a lot of trim and medium tab. But who really knows at this point?

Getup and go is just FINE.

Slow Speed Handling in a wind is NOT great.

However, holding this boat in the wind at dock can be is a bear. Just yesterday, a strong quatering wind nearly had me pinned against a dock and blowing back into another dock FAST. There was almost no way to get the stern enough clear to maneuver. I did manage just barely to back the reverse the stern out enough to give it a blast and get pointed into the wind. Luckly, the marina hand not opened and there were no boats or this would have been nasty.

This points out the need, if you have a single, for a bow thruster, plenty of deck hands, fenders, or something. In all fairness, I really don't know how twins would do either.

As this is my first boat bigger than 18 feet, so I'm sure there will be some tricks to learn.