84 270DA w/twin 185 mercs....

[brains06]

I'm looking at stepping up a bit and this boat may be available to me. I did a search and I'm having a real hard time finding any decent info on this hull/motor/drive combo. I know they used these motors from 83-to at least 86 or so then it jumped to 190hp I think. Either way, can anyone help me with any info on how this boat lives,runs, drinks gas? Any info would be really appreciated.

Brains

 

[270mike]

I have a 85 270 with the 190hp 3.7L , It runs pretty good ,I dont push it hard when getting on plane just steddy and easy . around 3500 is where i run it ,stay out of the 4 brls and you get good mileage . had mine 4 years and havent checked gph yet .4blade props will help but mine is 3 blade ss

 

[brains06]

I have a 85 270 with the 190hp 3.7L , It runs pretty good ,I dont push it hard when getting on plane just steddy and easy . around 3500 is where i run it ,stay out of the 4 brls and you get good mileage . had mine 4 years and havent checked gph yet .4blade props will help but mine is 3 blade ss

190hp 3.7? Is that the 4 cyl engine or is that a six? Merc or OMC drive? Thanks for this info too by the way! LOL. Oh yeah, what are you averaging for mph at 3500 rpms? Thanks

 

[berth control]

It's the same piece of MOTHER F*#%ING $#!T that I have in mine - just with 4 barrel carbs. Mine broke tonight, so I'm a little pissed at the 3.7 liter 4 cyl right now. They are all the same motor, just diferent carbs, so the HP rating was different. Some of the bolt ons are different from year to year too, mainly the heat exchangers were smaller pre-1984.

The performance is not bad though, I cruise 25 mph at 3500 rpm's and max at almost 40 (hit 38 last night with a full tank of fuel and 4 friends aboard.) It gets about 1.5 mpg at cruise

 

[Maritime Matt]

Don't no much about the boat/power but I hd one of those 3.7's and hated it. It was in my 83 21 SeaRay W/A. Great on fuel but no way was it the power of a V-8 as Mern stated.

 

[CoralReefer]

The 270 isn't much if any of an upgrade. Yes...it's newer. What kind of deal are you getting? My opinion after owning a 260 for a year is that I'd hold off for a 30+ footer.

 

[berth control]

The 270 isn't much if any of an upgrade. Yes...it's newer. What kind of deal are you getting? My opinion after owning a 260 for a year is that I'd hold off for a 30+ footer.

I agree - but it depends on your situation. The 270 is the biggest boat you can trailer in MI without a bunch of permits, so then it makes sense (that's what I did). The next step up is a 300, and you can still trailer that, but you need more than just a seasonal blanket permit for $50.00 in Michigan. If you aren't going to try to trailer the thing, then I agree with Coral Reefer's advice, wait until you can go bigger. Oh, and if your one of those guys that buys boats for cheap, fixes em up, and sells them for a profit, then go ahead and move up one foot at a time - but most of those guys don't REALLY make money on the things, just break even or put a lot of free labor in:lol:

 

[brains06]

I agree - but it depends on your situation. The 270 is the biggest boat you can trailer in MI without a bunch of permits, so then it makes sense (that's what I did). The next step up is a 300, and you can still trailer that, but you need more than just a seasonal blanket permit for $50.00 in Michigan. If you aren't going to try to trailer the thing, then I agree with Coral Reefer's advice, wait until you can go bigger. Oh, and if your one of those guys that buys boats for cheap, fixes em up, and sells them for a profit, then go ahead and move up one foot at a time - but most of those guys don't REALLY make money on the things, just break even or put a lot of free labor in:lol:

Thanks for the advice guys, first off...I'm not really the guy to buy and fix up cuz I get attached to my work...like I am now to my 260 but, this deal will be too good to pass up so I gotta take it when it comes. The main reason I'm even considering it and not just waiting is cuz of the deal and the fact that even though some of you may think its not much of a step up..when you have two small kids (7 and 4) and an 8' beam that extra 2' is like 200'! The layout is pretty much the same thru I think the early 90's so it works well for us. Unfortunately the boat is under wrap and I cant cut it off till the change in ownership is done so I dont have too many specifics. All I know is its an 84 270 with twins. I know the drives were done last season and the motors could be anywhere from twin 185's to twin 305 V-8's. I have no idea. I was told it had twin 6's but thats not too solid. So any info I can get would help..and you guys are helping big time.

Eric..what happened to your motor?

 

[jarhead]

i'd have to disagree on the 270 not being an upgrade. the 10' beam makes a big difference. I looked at a 260 and a few 268's and glad I got the 270. I have twin 170s and it does 34mph. not sure about economy since I spend the most time trolling for salmon.
Just as a guideline, I bought mine last August for $6,500 with 40 hours on the engines, trailer, full camper canvas, mooring cover, and electonics.

jarhead

 

[brains06]

Ok a quick update. I finally got a chance to check out the boat and its in good condition. Its got twin Merc 228's or 305's. I know less about them than the 4.3's. So any info would be great. Other than the motors, it also has A/C. What do I need to know about maintainance on those. I'm assuming that the 305's can push this thing to the mid 40's without really working too hard. Can anyone verify this for me?

 

[JVM225]

V8's and A/C in a 270 in those years is a score. I was looking for a late eighties 270 a few years ago when I came across my 300 Sundancer. I jumped on the 300 because it was a good deal and it had AC and heat. I had a real hard time finding a 270 with AC etc..
I agree that the 10' beam is a nice upgrade from an 8', especially with kids.
Anyway, the 305's should be great in that boat. More than enough power, very reliable, and good parts availability.
I think you'll be very happy with it. Good luck!

 

[brains06]

JVM,

Thanks for the info. In your search were you able to find any kinds of performance #'s on those motors? I cant find anything anywhere on them. I would assume that fuel burn is a few ticks less than the 350 but not much more than the 4.3's due to the increase in torque. My assumptions have been around a 32-3400rpm cruise at around 25-28mph burning 12-16gph and a WOT of 4400-4800 and 45mph. Everything that I've seen regarding the 4.3's have been right around those numbers but the twin 4.3's are lighter so maybe theres a slight difference. Anybody?

 

[berth control]

Jason, you are about right with your figures. the boat will get almost the same mpg with any motor combo that was available, it's the size and weight of the boat that determines the mpg more than the motors. They all need to produce very close to the same HP to move the boat along at the same speed, but the 305's will be faster. I heard that with 350's the boat will almost hit 50mph, I know the 4.3's and my motors run about 35 to 40 so I would say you are about right with the speed and fuel economy numbers. You will likely cruise at about 25 mph, that is where our boat is happy and I get 1.6mpg.

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

305ci V8 put out 300 lbs tq compared to the 350 TQ the 5.7 carb engines have. With twins, 600lbs of tq pushing 10K of boat should have WOT in the Mid 40's I would think. :huh:
Guessing GPH burn is around 11 to 13 GPH ea engine at 3500rpm (305ci) Based on Carb and EFI 5.7 engines having them burn numbers.
There's always the possibility that having less TQ with 305ci engines. Fuel burn could be a little higher.

 

[JVM225]

JVM,

Thanks for the info. In your search were you able to find any kinds of performance #'s on those motors? I cant find anything anywhere on them. I would assume that fuel burn is a few ticks less than the 350 but not much more than the 4.3's due to the increase in torque. My assumptions have been around a 32-3400rpm cruise at around 25-28mph burning 12-16gph and a WOT of 4400-4800 and 45mph. Everything that I've seen regarding the 4.3's have been right around those numbers but the twin 4.3's are lighter so maybe theres a slight difference. Anybody?

My 300 has twin 5.7 350's and it is plenty of power for the boat. It takes a little bit to get up on plane, probably because of all the weight in the back, but once it gets up it really goes. I cruise between 22 and 26 knots depending on conditions at 3000 - 3200 RPM. I've never really pushed it all the way to WOT, but there is plenty more to go after cruising speed. Get yourself a GPS for accurate speed.
I would think that the lighter 270 with twin 305's would be at least as fast as my 300.

There are way too many variables to lock in fuel consumption figures. I keep considering a fuel flow gauge, but haven't gotten around to it. I have one on our other boat and it really helps me to maximize fuel economy. The fuel flow gauge is also a lot more reliable than the gas gauges to keep track of how much fuel you have gone through so you always have a good idea of what's left in the tanks.

 

[brains06]

JVM I would feel safe assuming your numbers as close to what mine might be based on the size difference. Your 30' to my 27' your 350 to my 305 should be fairly equal in their applications and from what I keep hearing thats about right.

Tail I think your fuel #'s are a bit high and all the docs I've seen show the boat weighing around 7k not 10. It doesnt really matter tho cuz either way I'm gonna run the "ish" out of it.

 

[JVM225]

If the boat has been sitting for a while make sure you change the oil and the impellers in the outdrives before you put it in the water. I would also take this time to check the manifolds, change the fuel filters, plugs, do oil chnages on the motors, etc.
You may want to try to spin the motors by hand with the fresh oil in them before you try to start them.
The AC is pretty simple. I don't know where the pump and through hull fitting is on your 270, mine is under the cushions in the aft berth, but make sure all the hoses are good and the strainer basket is clear. You may need to prime the pump when you first put it in the water. It's pretty easy, just enlist a helper on the dock standing at the ready by the valve that turns the water on and off, and another at the AC controls. Remove the hose from the through hull fitting, aim the garden hose in to the end of the hose you just pulled off the fitting and have the helper turn on the water while giving the second helper the sign to turn on the AC. Have the guy on the dock let you know when the water starts to discharge from the side of the hull and then shove the hose back on to the through hull fitting and tighten the clamps.
It sounds like a PIA, but it only takes a minute and is real easy if you have a couple of people to help you. You are going to get some water in the bilge and a little on yourself, but nothing you and the bilge pump can't handle. Just make sure the pumps and float switches are all working before you get going. Needless to say, you want to check all of the bilge pumps and float switches before you pur the boat in the water.
You've got a great boat. Good luck with it!

 

[Sundancer]

Unfortunately the boat is under wrap and I cant cut it off till the change in ownership is done so I dont have too many specifics.

For some reason this a gnawing away at me and the big red flag is up and waiving!! This means no sea trial? Is the owner going to give you any kind of guarantee? There are so many things that can go wrong on a boat and a test drive will help identify many of them! Plugged filters, water in the fuel, crap in the fuel tank, over heating, leaks, etc., I think you get the picture since you own a boat.

Ok a quick update. I finally got a chance to check out the boat and its in good condition. Its got twin Merc 228's or 305's. I know less about them than the 4.3's. So any info would be great. Other than the motors, it also has A/C. What do I need to know about maintainance on those. I'm assuming that the 305's can push this thing to the mid 40's without really working too hard. Can anyone verify this for me?

SURVEY! Get a thorough marine survey done, including outdrives and a compression check. :huh:

As mentioned above, get the receipts for the impellar replacements and the last oil change! Is the purchase conditioned on a sea trial? If not, I'd be VERY leery about the boat.

The 270 is a great boat in those years. It's very stable and having twins is a plus. If the boat has the 305's that's even better! I'd say that is a good balance between hp and mpg! I'd also do a quick check online to validate the price and see what else might be available near you as a comparison.

Keep us posted and we want to see pictures if the deal goes through! :thumbsup:

 

[brains06]

For some reason this a gnawing away at me and the big red flag is up and waiving!! This means no sea trial? Is the owner going to give you any kind of guarantee? There are so many things that can go wrong on a boat and a test drive will help identify many of them! Plugged filters, water in the fuel, crap in the fuel tank, over heating, leaks, etc., I think you get the picture since you own a boat.



SURVEY! Get a thorough marine survey done, including outdrives and a compression check. :huh:

As mentioned above, get the receipts for the impellar replacements and the last oil change! Is the purchase conditioned on a sea trial? If not, I'd be VERY leery about the boat.

The 270 is a great boat in those years. It's very stable and having twins is a plus. If the boat has the 305's that's even better! I'd say that is a good balance between hp and mpg! I'd also do a quick check online to validate the price and see what else might be available near you as a comparison.

Keep us posted and we want to see pictures if the deal goes through! :thumbsup:

Dancer..

LOL! I appreciate your concern and it is well placed my friend. A quick update on the background of this boat. Its been abandoned by its PO over marina and service charges. The PO moved cross country but couldnt take the boat cuz he owed. He never paid so here we are. Now to that end, the boat comes with a complete service history straight from the marina mechanic (same dude that does all my work too). When the boat came out of the water it was working very well according to the marina owner. I wont be putting it in the water though until it has been throughly gone thru and certified. Take a look at my wiring pics to see what I consider "certification" lol. I'll have at least 6 years of receipts, plus full advantage of the marinas services at a hugely discounted rate. I want to the get the survey so I know where I stand right now going forward.

 

[JVM225]

Sound advice!