300DA with 6.2s and Bravo III's?

E

EricW

Member
Mar 16, 2008
354
Essex, MD
Boat Info
1994 290 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 2005 220hp 4.3 MPI's FWC w/ Alpha 1 Gen IIs
I bet that's a great performing boat. Are there a lot of them out there? What's the WOT speed?

Although it's not much of a size upgrade, I was thinking about this for my next boat since I'm partial to stern drives. I'm not upgrading anytime soon, though.
 
EricW said:
I bet that's a great performing boat. Are there a lot of them out there? What's the WOT speed?

Although it's not much of a size upgrade, I was thinking about this for my next boat since I'm partial to stern drives. I'm not upgrading anytime soon, though.
Click to expand...

I recently took out a 2010 330DA (the replacement for the 2002~2006 300DA). It had the Twin 6.2s with Axius Bravo III Stern Drives. After being a regular passenger on an 03 300DA with T-5.0MPI Engines, I was really impressed with the performance of the 330DA. The engines put that boat on plane in no time flat. I didn't pay attention to WOT Speed but I seem to recall having it up to at least 40mph.

Initially, I was skeptical about how much difference the extra 120hp (overall) would make. I was proven wrong.

As a note, I do alot of searching for 2000s 32-37 Sundancers and I have not seen many of that generation with the 6.2 Package around. Most seem to be the T-5.0 and quite a few T-350MAG- At least from what I have seen.

I realize these are different hulls but thought it was worth mentioning my experience given the question.

Jason
 
I had a visit with a T6.2 / B3 owner, he told me that it would spool up at WOT to 48 mph on gps. (not sure how clean the hull was) He also stated the hole shot was effortless with a load of fuel, water, gear, and guests on board. They can be hard to find as mentioned, and most were loaded with all the options.
 
That's good stuff. Too bad the 300 with 6.2s is kinda rare. Stray Cat, I bet the 350 Mags run pretty good, though. That package is probably fine.

Around here, I hardly ever see Sea Rays larger than the 300 with stern drives.

I have a friend with an 05 320 with 6.2s and V-Drives. I ran that boat and wasn't too impressed with performance/efficiency. Cruise at 3850 RPM, 26 MPH, 0.9 MPG. He burns double the fuel as me at cruise speed. Seems like an expensive boat to run a lot.

I also was on a 300 with 5.0's and Bravo IIIs. Cruise speed was pretty good, but seemed to struggle quite a bit to get on plane with 6 adults.

I'm sure I'll change my mind again ---- but, a 300DA with 350 Mags or 6.2s and Bravo IIIs seems like a "Just Right" compromise between a roomy cruiser, good sporty performance, affordable initial price, and decent fuel efficiency.

I talk like I'm ready to upgrade -- I'm not. My old 290 with V6s is just fine and will have to serve me a few more years. I guess I'm just obsessed, and always thinking about my next boat.



On the other hand, maybe a Formula 31PC is a better choice?! :grin:
 
My dock neighbor just sold her 300 - 2004 with 6.2's and Bravo III's - the boat was fast getting on plane. It was a nice setup. They let me drive it for a day. The only thing I didn't like was the plastic shifters. My Dad's 290 Amberjack has the nice Teleflex chrome separate shifters.
 
Stray Cat said:
I had a visit with a T6.2 / B3 owner, he told me that it would spool up at WOT to 48 mph on gps. (not sure how clean the hull was) He also stated the hole shot was effortless with a load of fuel, water, gear, and guests on board. They can be hard to find as mentioned, and most were loaded with all the options.
Click to expand...
That sounds right. My 300 with the 350 mags used to get 48 MPH at WOT when new. Now mid 40's WOT. No problem getting on plane and cruise comfortably at 30 MPH.
 
Is there an "official" 300da thread? I wouldn't think so since it is so similar to the 280da.
Regardless, for various reasons, I am considering making the usually ill-advised 2ft move from a 280 to a 300...any comments would be appreciated!
 
rhodyboater said:
Is there an "official" 300da thread? I wouldn't think so since it is so similar to the 280da.
Regardless, for various reasons, I am considering making the usually ill-advised 2ft move from a 280 to a 300...any comments would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

I'd go bigger! The two foot difference will disappear within weeks and you'll be wishing you had gone up 4 - 6 feet!
 
I would tend to agree that typically is it better to go farther up but there are really other significant differences between the 280 and 300 where I would consider it.

Going from a 260 to a 280 would not make sense to most. Not sure a 320 to 340 would either because there is not a ton of difference between those models.

As stated there is a more of a difference between the 280 and 300. I would look at the 320 and at least consider all options
 
One of the big differences (and appeal) between the two is the v berth.
The 300 seems to have a more useful space with a real mattress (I think) which is way better than folding and unfolding those hard cushions on the 280 trying to make a bed out of them.
I haven't actually boarded one though, just saw photos.
 
I am not upgrading soon, but I may consider only going up to a late 2000's 300 so that I can stay with small block V8s and sterndrives. That way, I can get a newer boat that performs well and is still economical to run.
 
I like my 300 with the 350's. It runs no problem at 45mph and economically at 30mph. People always under estimate the speed of this boat. Although at WOT it does hurt the wallet quite a bit so i don't do it often. (unless provoked)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,247
Messages
1,429,237
Members
61,125
Latest member
Bassinbradw
Back
Top