90-91 270da - 7.4 330hp adequate power ?

Quint4

Quint4

Well-Known Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Oct 6, 2006
6,751
NC
Boat Info
CY 3375
Engines
7.4 MPI twin
I am looking at a possible upgrade. I really like the layout and look of the 90-91 270 DA. This is a 28'7" boat, 5800lbs, & 9' beam. I know twins would make for easier docking but I like the thought of only one engine to maintain. Will I be satisfied with the 7.4 - 330hp in this boat ? I like to cruise just on plane (3000rpm & 24mph in my current boat) and pull the kids on the tube sometimes. thanks for any input.
 
You'll need 3200-3500 RPM to cruise nicely. I would expect the 454 to be adequate, but not by much.
 
I think the performance should be very similar to your current boat or slightly better. Mine is 26'8" 5800lbs. with 7.4 330 Alpha and I cruise at 3400/30mph.
 
If you are looking to upgrade, test drive one of each if you can find them. We drove the same year boat with twin 4.3's and I like the way it handled. It got up on plane easier than our current 250 with a 454. I drove a 250 from that vintage with the 454 and I thought it was adequate. I can't imagine a 454 in a 29 footer, but they are out there. I think our 250 is OK but adding 4 feet to the length and a foot to the width is a bit of weight.

The only real additional cost will be maintenance since the fuel burn is fairly similar between the two from what I understand. If you want to tube, I'd definitely go with the twin 4.3's because they will hold the boat up at a slower speed than the single 454.
 
thanks for responses...good advice.
 
in a boat this size and weight, i think 330 hp will be plenty. i dont see a need for twins on this boat - it means two sets of everything to worry about and maintain (and eventually replace) - two props, two drives, two engines.) servicability will be a problem with two motors squished in there too. as far as having the luxury of an extra engine to limp home on when one breaks down, spend $120 for unlimited towing and get home on THEIR gas. :thumbsup:
 
In 1992-1993 they called that boat a 290. I had a 93 290 with a 7.4, a bravo two outdrive and the optional 130gal fuel tank. It was a great performing boat with that setup. Plenty of room in the bilge. I'm not sure how much tubing you will want to do pushing the additional weight though, even if you had twins. You could also change the outdrive to a Bravo three. You will also like the roomy feel with the 9ft beam. Good luck in your search.
 
I had the 1999 7.4 / BIII (mine was rated at 310 hp) in my 270DA which was spec'd at 6000 lbs dry on the 8"6" beam and loved that power package. I cruised at 3200 rpm at 30 mph and consistently observed 2 mpg. Handling with the BIII was predictable, and as rondds said, there was plenty of room in the bilge for access to everything.
 
I owned a 1991 270 for three years with that exact set up and I loved it, even with a boat full of people. It seems today that everyone uses Bravo III outdrives but in my opinion the Bravo II is a much better choice for that style boat in every respect. The only thing that is tricky is backing down a long distance to a slip but that is true of all single engine set ups. The layout was fantastic and it was very economical to run. Good Luck!!
 
bravo3, with it's counter-rotating props, takes the hazard out of backing up. of course, nothing compensates for wind and current (except a thruster). i had a crownline with a single 350 mag horizon and bravo 3. it weighed 6200lb dry, had a 99 gallon fuel tank and, despite making only 300HP the boat was more than adequately powered. and with the B3, i was able to maneuver that boat in reverse like a car. man do i miss that.:smt089
 
My last boat was a 1991 270DA 7.4 with BravoII. Loved it. Would cruise comfortably at 24mph and would max out around 30-32 depending on how loaded with crap and people I had onboard. Did not use the ski-eye much, with a tube behind us, it was very hard to keep on plane at slower speeds. We usually had at least 4 adults, coolers, ice, etc. and it always did well.

If you have a question about it, let me know, I feel I know that model inside and out and might be able to help. IMHO the 7.4 was much easier to service than the 4.3's. Fuel burn was not that bad and at slow speeds was much better than you would think.

Great boat, good luck,

Dan
 
Last edited:
I looked at that one at cumberland Sea Ray. It looks better in the pictures, no trailer and a bit of corrosion on the outdrive.
 
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