New to this board. Have a 1985 260 Sundancer that I purchased last fall. Boat was purchased with engine and outdrive out of boat! So, I have 1 305ci crated, used, motor and all parts with outdrive as well. Don't really know what I have so, I joined and look forward to finding out more about my boat!
Hello!
- Thread starter Kman
- Start date
thegotoguyr
New Member
That sounds like a project, why was it removed?
Welcome to CSR.
Welcome to CSR.
jthatcher
Member
Welcome aboard!
Welcome. Try and post pictures. We are visual and can help you more if we see what we're talking about.
Well, the story goes boat spent whole life on a large lake in MN. Believe motor went bad and they sold it and bought new. Next owner put a 260hp merc setup from a 1995. ECU that controls motor was bad and it was around $2K for part. Found one and that was bad too. So, he pulled the whole works out purchased a used 305 on ebay, when it showed up he found a crack in block that had been repaired. Supposedly it's good to go. He was burnt out on the whole thing and sold to me for a song. I got all the parts. I'm not intimidated one bit about project, just need some info. I wrench on everything and can break down used motor I have to checkout and possibly rebuild myself if needed. I can get pics of out drive a bit later.
Couple of things initially I need to know. I'm thinking that the 200hp 305ci. Will have a hard time moving out of its own way. So, thinking 350 with 300hp or a stroker motor. This is just a cruiser but, I'll want to get on plane. So, looking for thoughts on that. And out drive. Not sure what I've got. Alpha I??? Lower unit is so corroded I just want to replace but not sure if it will hold up? Any thoughts on that is appreciated as well. Thanks.
Couple of things initially I need to know. I'm thinking that the 200hp 305ci. Will have a hard time moving out of its own way. So, thinking 350 with 300hp or a stroker motor. This is just a cruiser but, I'll want to get on plane. So, looking for thoughts on that. And out drive. Not sure what I've got. Alpha I??? Lower unit is so corroded I just want to replace but not sure if it will hold up? Any thoughts on that is appreciated as well. Thanks.
Gofirstclass
Well-Known Member
From what I've heard (and I'm certainly not a mechanic!), the 305's just don't develop enough torque. You'd be much better off with a 5.7. I don't think you need 300hp, but it wouldn't hurt to go that big. An engine with more hp won't have to work as hard as a smaller hp motor (like the 305 with 200hp) so it will be about as fuel efficient as the small one. It also will likely last longer because it doesn't have to work as hard to run the boat on plane.
On an unrelated note--there's kind of a standing rule on CSR that we don't believe it if we don't get to see the pictures of it. That includes pics of the boat and your family using it.
On an unrelated note--there's kind of a standing rule on CSR that we don't believe it if we don't get to see the pictures of it. That includes pics of the boat and your family using it.
GFC is correct. That 305 will be a disappointment for you. If you can swing it go for the higher HP motor.
1990-270-da-lover
Member
- Oct 10, 2012
- 968
- Boat Info
- 1990 270 DA Sundancer / Saturn Dinghy 4hp Suzuki
Towed with 2004 Chevy 2500 HD Sliverado 4x4
- Engines
- 7.4L Merc Bravo 1
3 Blade Mirage Prop 14.5X17
+1 on what has been said above. One other thought, if you go up in power, you may want to consider a Bravo I or II as the increased torque of the larger engine may be a bit much for an Alpha drive. I know they run them with 5.7's, but a stroker or larger displacement engine can put too much torque on an Alpha drive.
Yes, this is what I was thinking.
I took video of boat before storing it, but when uploading it says, invalid file? Maybe I can post to YouTube and link it. Gotta figure out my password there too!
I was wondering about that. If Changing to a Bravo I suppose I'd have to replace the upper drive and transom pieces too?
Banagy
Member
- Nov 13, 2006
- 961
- Boat Info
- 2005 Sun Deck with Lowrance HDS 7 Touch Gen 2 GPS fish finder and Navman radio Bennett Trim Tabs.
- Engines
- 5.0 with Alpha 1 drive
Welcome aboard
You'll be OK with an Alpha up to about 300HP. Avoid full throttle starts.
1990-270-da-lover
Member
- Oct 10, 2012
- 968
- Boat Info
- 1990 270 DA Sundancer / Saturn Dinghy 4hp Suzuki
Towed with 2004 Chevy 2500 HD Sliverado 4x4
- Engines
- 7.4L Merc Bravo 1
3 Blade Mirage Prop 14.5X17
Don't know for sure, but I suspect someone here will know, and that is if the Gen II Alpha is rated for higher HP.
Chris Nowell
Active Member
- Nov 28, 2011
- 1,520
- Boat Info
- '05 622 Hardtop w Alaska Bulkhead, 270 Mercury Marine sport inflatable, pulled by a 6.0L Silverado
- Engines
- 4.3 MPI Merc w Alpha I drive, 5 hp 4 stroke Merc aux.
We had a 1979 260 DA with the 5.7/260hp carbed engine and an Alpha I Gen II leg. It had JUST enough power to plane and definitely worked hard to get it there, even with a 17 pitch prop on it. If you're going with more than 300 hp you're going to want the Bravo type leg for sure, but that would mean changing the transom assembly too. A 300 hp 5.7 would be a bit better than the engine that I had and if you avoided WOT hole shots you'll be okay with the Alpha I leg. It won't be a speed demon, especially when loaded up with fuel, water, food, drink, and the Admiral, but you will see reasonably good fuel economy and longevity with that power package, especially if you go with the fuel injected one. On the other hand, a new 6.2 and Bravo III would be nice too. Got any pics? Welcome aboard.
