280 with 496 bravo III

[swift1]

I think the single big block /B3 is fine-
I am up on plane fast enough, about six seconds and going 30 within 10 , and getting over two MPG. My pals in their 34 with twins are grim about the barely 1 MPG and $ 800. from Bellevue to San Juan Island.
Half the maintenance at haulout time. Vessel Assist on speed dial if needed !! Lots of all chain rode while I wait.
Knock on wood, oh don't have any except the table -
and loving it.

 

[boatrboy]

I think the single big block /B3 is fine-
I am up on plane fast enough, about six seconds and going 30 within 10 , and getting over two MPG. My pals in their 34 with twins are grim about the barely 1 MPG and $ 800. from Bellevue to San Juan Island.
Half the maintenance at haulout time. Vessel Assist on speed dial if needed !! Lots of all chain rode while I wait.
Knock on wood, oh don't have any except the table -
and loving it.

Just wondering if you noticed this thread was over two years old and the original poster bought this boat

 

[Tonka Boater]

Just wondering if you noticed this thread was over two years old and the original poster bought this boat

Love it when that happens :lol:

 

[ChiefScientist]

I see this post is quite old.

I have a 2008 fully loaded 280DA with 496BIII at Four Seasons in Cinci.

As far as power, I have NO COMPLAINTS. I can easily plane with a full compliment of adults in the cockpit area. All the performance specs quoted in this thread are correct except I get about1.6MPH and top speed of 43MPH. Hole shot with just a few people is excellent.

That said, it's a cruiser, not a ski boat. I'm sure I can ski and tube behind it if necessary - there is PLENTY of power - but the wake is fearsome! That is why I keep a ski boat next to the cruiser.

 

[swift1]

Yes I did notice the age of post -right after pushing reply. The single vs. twin debate will never be over. Thanks, I apprecaite the reports on your boat's relative performance Chief.

 

[magster65]

My top speed was 47.3MPH measure by GPS with 22P props. That boat was the coolest, most versatile, utilitarian vessel on the water! Nothing comes close for absolute enjoyment! No brand, no configuration, no price point was better. The 280 is perfect!

Marq

That was more than likely a 2.2-1 drive with a 22" prop set so 47.3 mph works out to 5400 rpm @ 0.07 slip.
The rev limiter is programmed at 5100 rpm (there abouts) though so you must have had a good tide with you to achieve that number.
Check out the prop calcualtor if you haven't already.

 

[magster65]

If you can sustain a 30 mph cruise and top 40 you have enough power. These hulls are cleanly on the step and comfortable at that speed.
Although discontinued, the 496 mag mpi is arguably the best gas engine mercruiser has made to date.

 

[JV II]

Although discontinued, the 496 mag mpi is arguably the best gas engine mercruiser has made to date.

+1. So happy to have 2 of them from their final year of production.

 

[searaypuget]

We purchased a new leftover 06 280 this July with all options except the genset and it had the 496mag single for power. For our 30mile long lake this engine setup is perfect. It planes easily with 5 plus people on board with full fluids and uses about 13.9 gph running 3400rpm cruising. The morning I took the boat out of the water for the season I ran 44-45mph at 4900 with a full load of fuel,septic and half water and 2 people . If I was ocean running I would probably consider the duals otherwise I feel this powerpackage is perfect for my use. It is easy on fuel,keeps the storage and service fees lower,weighs less than the duals and still manuevers well in our tight marina.Overall I love the boat and couldn't be happier with my choice.

I know it is an old thread but I would still ask. How do you get 14GPH at 3400? What speed are you running at 3400? I burn roughly 19GPH @ 3450 running at 25-28MPH.

 

[skibum]

My 496/BIII is in a 260, but @3450 RPM I burn about 14.6 GPH and hit ~27-28 MPH