280DA Single Engine Advice

jason78

jason78

Active Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Sep 3, 2008
3,662
Fort Mill, SC / Lake Wylie
Boat Info
1997 20 Outrage
Engines
200 Merc Offshore
I am begining to look around at some different models for a possible upgrade. I want to get in to a cruiser probably 28~31 foot. I had a nice cruise on a 260DA this week (thanks Dave S). I definitely like the 260DA but also like the 280DA although I have not yet been on one. I understand they were available with Single 496MAG B3 or several Twin engine configurations. I would prefer a single engine just for maintenance purposes. It does not help that our lake seems to be especially difficult with B3s and two would be twice the trouble. The problem is I do not see any single engine 280DAs in the used market near me. It has me wondering if it is a desireable configuration. Does anyone have a 280DA Single 496MAG who can speak to performance? Or is a single engine a bad idea on a 280?

Thanks
Jason
 
There seems to be varying opinions on this topic. By in large it also seems to be broken along the lines of who owns what.

We have a 280 with the 496/BIII combination and boat in coastal waters. Top speed at WOT is about 40 knots. Fuel consumption was running at 1.1. to 1.2 nmpg. However with the replacement of the gimbal bearings this spring that tightened up the drive, mileage is creeping up to the 1.3 nmpg range on a consistent basis.

Note that fuel consumption is based on Smartcraft, and if you are not aware Smartcraft does not actually measure the fuel consumed, or flowing through the fuel line (like floscan), but relies on an algorithm in the engine computer (ECM) to calculate consumption based on time of operation, RPM, temperature, etc. SOG is also based on GPS data, and 5-6 knot currents are not uncommon during tide changes.

In the wind the 280, especially with the camper canvas, behaves like a big ole empty Chlorox bottle. Docking can be a challenge for some people. This is a matter of personal skill level. I was taught to dock and hit a mooring with the family's 36' sailboat under sail without power as a boy, so docking a single engine 280 is not a problem for me. I do recognize that it could be an issue for some. And in defense of the engine drive configuration, the BIII with its counter-rotating props is dramatically better than a single prop sterndrive for control and low speed maneuverability.

Henry
 
everthing's irie said:
I would suggest you take both out. The twin will be more balanced and give you more manuverability.
Click to expand...

As a single engine owner, I agree with this statement.

I have no problems at all with the 496 but twins would be more maneuverable...especially in tight situations. Backing into my slip is a test of skills. Twins would be much easier.

Overall performance is great but I have no other frame of reference. The maintenance costs are less with the single.

My actual, overall fuel consumption averages 5.41 gph. This is logged in a spreadsheet each time I fill up based on gallons burned and hours since the last fill up...not Smartcraft.

.
 
Back in 1995 I bought a new 1995 290 sundancer with a 7.4 bravo 3. I tested the same boat with twin 4.3 v-6 alpha 1 drives and found that the single v8 gave a much better hole-shot. Even though that boat with twin v-6 engines had 440 horsepower compared to the v-8 with only 300 horsepower, the extra weight of the extra engine and underwater drag from the extra outdrive really made the boat feel much heavier than the v-8. After driving each boat for about one hour, it was clear to me that I wanted the v-8 bravo 3.

Hope this helps
 
I think I read somewhere that only 10% of the 280's came out with the single engine option. Gas utililzation is a non-factor. I would like the single configuration if I was on a small lake as it is powerful enough and less maintenance. You also have much better access to what you need to do down there in a tight ER. The price on a single will also be considerably less than buying twins. The twin engine config is a must however if you are out on blue water. I had my IAC fail on the port engine Saturday. Although I lost powersteering, I was able to get her home on one engine, which is invaluable to me with guests aboard and with my family. (If I didn't say anything, they might not even have known that we were limping home!) The 'get back home' thing has always been a huge factor for me - I don't like the idea of buying such an expensive and upscale boat and then running the risk of having that damn ugly yellow seatow boat in front of me...been there with my ol' bayliner...
 
No used single BB available in a 28'? Could be people hold on to that package.
That's the one I would want.
With twins, Your proped and geared for having both engines running.
Ive heard that fairly often. When one engine breaks. The other engine/drive gets overworked and breaks also.
That happened to my sisters 30' fountain on a river. Overheated the drive.
That would be an interesting new thread.
 
Last edited:
Tail Chaser 661 said:
When one engine breaks. The other engine/drive gets overworked and breaks also.
That happened to my sisters 30' fountain on a river. Overheated the drive.
That would be an interesting new thread.
Click to expand...

I do not think you could get one of these big cruisers on plane with one engine.

I limped home on one motor no problem.
 
I love the stability :grin:
Redundancy
Handling
Bravo 1’s
speed

I hate the maintenance of the two out drives
Bellows
Drive lube expense
Slime
Barnacles
Anti fouling paint that is expensive and does not work :smt021
 
I had a 260 DA with single 350 Mag and B3 and it was underpowered when I had more than 2 people on board. Plus, depending on the lake, you may risk damaging the B3 which are expensive to fix/replace. Maybe look at v drive?

Now that I have twin screws, I can't imagine going back. Singles do make you pretty skilled eventually at doing some impossible docking maneuvers.
 
My opinion is that the single is the perfect configuration for the 280DA, after 195 hours all I have had to deal with is a dead fridge and DVD player. But as others said, test drive both and make your opinion based on where you boat.
 
Thanks for all the great points of view. I am glad to find out the general concensus seems to be that the 496/B3 combination is sufficient for the 280 and there are several pros and cons about the twin engines. My two biggest concerns with having twin engines is maintenance x2 and fuel x2. Hopefully I will be able to take both out soon.

Thanks again! :grin:
 
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