More power?

[drtmnky]

I posted this in another section and got no response. Since I own a classic Sea Ray I thought maybe this might be a better place for it.

Repower 79 260SD
I reviewed repower threads here and from all the posts the common opinion is you cannot recoup the investment in a repower. So you live with what you have or you love boating enough that the costs do not matter or you buy just what you want new and replace it every few years as it wears out.

Still, I cannot quit thinking about my boat and the what if factor. I think my desires mostly come from falling in love with this classic and wanting to make it right. It was built underpowered with an inadequate OD.

The 5.7 OMC 800 has to work hard to get up on plane as well as remain on plane. The OMC 800 drive cannot handle continous WOT. It is an old and obsolete drive that works, but it doesn't work very well. This leaves me three choices; be satisfied with current performance (how does one quell the what if?), replace the boat with a well powered model, or repower this one.

The latter is, I assume, very expensive. The second can also be very expensive. In fact I might as well face it, all three are expensive. The first option leads to going on the way it is and in the near future rebuilding the motor and or the outdrive. In fact I have already rebuilt the outdrive top and bottom, I dont want to do it again.

I read in an old repower thread that a gas repower can be considerably less epensive than diesel. That got me thinking. So I am asking; Does anyone care to ball park a new/newer bigger than 5.7 motor with an outdrive? I have no idea what either of those ought to. If the price is right I might just pull the trigger on this.

Rob

 

[lime4x4]

I have 1986 268 weekender. I replaced my original 350 engine with a 1999 350 vortec. Fully loaded i'm up on plane in under 15 seconds. I can stay on plane till around 23 mph and 3300 to 3500 rpm,s. running an alpha outdrive with a mirage plus ss 3 blade prop

 

[Sundancer]

It's a tough question! If your boat is solid and in good shape it might make sense. Many times owners THINK there boat is in good shape and end up making a really bad decision. I'd have it surveyed if you haven't done it in a while to make sure there is no rot and that what's there is in good shape. Then if I decided to keep it, I'd be scouring the papers and internet for a Bravo unit. It's always easy to find one when you DON'T need it! You might get a great deal on one somewhere if you have time to look. The Bravo might improve your performance. Then you can rebuild, upgrade or replace the motor at a later date.

It's a tough position to be in! If you are doing well financially, I'd take advantage of the low used boat prices! I'm partial to the late 80's boats, but I have to admit, the mid 90's are starting to grow on me! I'm not making a move for a LONG time! I bought our 300 DA and made sure it was solid before selling the 250 DA! We looked like a Sea Ray dealer for a while with both boats parked at the house for 8 months! I'd do it that way again! I think the buyers realized I was in NO hurry to sell the boat and both were paid for so it wasn't a decision driven by dollars.

I'd guess you could install a rebuild and new outdrive for somewhere around $8,000 - $10,000 or so? Just a guess. Add the value of your current boat and go boat shopping to see what's available that might suit your needs. You don't have to buy, just do some comparison shopping to check out the possibilities. Then you can make a better decision.

 

[SCORPIO]

I had an '82 SRV 260SXL with an OMC 800 and 260hp V8. The boat planed fine and would run on plane at about 2900 rpm with some tab at about 24mph, WOT was about 35 mph. I had no need to run continuous WOT. The 800 drive I had never gave any trouble other than needing a new shift cable and a snap ring in the tilt clutch. They do require good lubrication and maint. but all drives require that. I don't why you would need WOT to curise or stay on plane. If you want to convert to Merc out drive, it will require some glass work to close off the hole in the transom as well as work on the stringers. It would be cheaper to stay with what you have and install a crate motor or a reman. Otherwise, save your money and get another boat, it'll be cheaper.

 

[Wee_Isle]

I'm in the same boat (no pun intended) I have the same setup as you. Your right repowering is a huge finacial burden, most times more than the boat is worth.
I however was meeting in the middle. I was going to get an SE116 outdrive (alpha Gen II) with a 3yr warranty and transom convertion for 1800+ tax. Look for it, it's a bolt up affair, might have to modifie the shifter cable. You can fit a bigger prop and I believe the gearing is better.
http://boatstoreonline.com/OMC_conversion.html

then I'd feel more confident in putting a dual plane aluminum intake on it with a new holly car and possibly a cam to give it some more umph. My boat isn't broken and seems to plain just fine with 5 people on it right now, so I can't justify the update right now.

 

[keokie]

I have done many re-powers with the same hull under your boat, including the '83 260 I used to own in my signature. You need to go to a big block to get an appreciable difference. the 502 with EMI headers, Silent Thunder Switchable exhaust, and closed cooling ran very well in the 260. On plane in under five seconds with a very full load and 4+ adults. It transformed it into a very different boat.

Costs depend greatly on your capabilities and connections.

 

[drtmnky]

Thanks guys for your info and input. I bought her a few years ago and have yet to have a good season on the water with her. Between long work days, moving, dealing with teenage boys and repairs on the boat it she spent more time on dry land than in the water. This year will be differnt. Top and bottom of the OD is rebuilt, the over heating engine was only a bad temp sender the yard is in good shape, and the kids dont need me watching over them. We are going to take her out and have fun on the water.

I was only thinking of the repower from some comments I have received about OMC 800 OD's. I am not in a place financially to make the leap to repower or sell/buy for a better power system.

The number one reason I am not going to mess with her is she aint broke and summer is here.

In the future if the engine or drive need major work I would have to consider my options. I am trying to build options. This is my first boat and I am having a ball working on and learning about her.

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Im in a similar situation right now.

Bought my 85 Amberjack 255 last year. It already had an updated 2003 350 MAG MPI 300HP engine and a bravo 1 OD. It gets on plane easy enough without using the trim tabs and will cruise at 25-28 mph and top out at around 33 mph but im used to smaller boats that run 40+ mph. 1st thing i said was i need more power!!

There were other things i wanted to do to the boat so I decided to run this engine a couple more years and then upgrade to a big block.

That decision was made with some unexpected repairs that were needed. Had to replace the transom assembly and have the transom rebuilt due to a rotted gimbel housing with 2 dime sized holes in it and soft wood around the OD hole.

I had picked the boat up for $6000 and had no trouble paying to get the repairs done at a cost of $5000. I looked along time to find the right boat for me and this 85 AJ 255 was perfect for chesapeake bay fishing & cruising. The wide open rear deck with the 10 ft beam was the biggest selling point for me and at the $6000 price tag, I figured the engine alone, with under 400 hours, was worth almost that much. even with the repairs, i felt i was still ahead after pricing similar boats from 15,000-20,000. Even the newer AJ's werent as roomy as this older 85 was.

I had a great season last year, fishing & cruising (but mostly fishing!!). I put the boat in a floating pier slip 3 miles from my house which enabled me to hop on and take a ride whenever i had free time or get in a few hours fishing before work a couple days a week. Got a late start last year with the repairs being done but fished all the way up till thanksgiving day.

With keeping the boat in a slip (a 1st for me) I needed shore power and an onboard charger to feel safe. That was another $1000.

My 1st season was a good season and gave me the oppertunity to find out how much i like the boat and what i would like to add to make my trips even more enjoyable. Not many rod holders on the boat so adding more went on the list and i like to fish the fall rockfish trophy season and i decided to get a hardtop and enclosure to keep me warm. I had a hardtop custom made from atlantic towers. i got a 25% discount and free rod holders and free shipping by letting them use my top at the baltimore boat show. I picked it up there on the last day of the show. It still cost me almost $4000.

I got that installed this spring and am now waiting for the enclosure to be made for it. That will be another $2300 which is a good price IMO. My 1st estimate was $5200!!!

I also wanted to stregthen my pulpit and add a windlass, put in a microwave, small TV and 12 volt refrigerator (only have an ice box). I also wanted to redo my dash and add smartcraft guages. This will probably all have to wait till next year though.

Unfortunately, I found out this spring that my last fishing trip last thanksgiving morning was the last trip my 350 mag mpi would see. long story short ........ water in all 8 cylinders that sat in there all winter. The engine is locked up tight. One good thing though is i kept an engine compartment heater in there all winter.

Now im facing getting a new long block for a rebuild or going ahead and get that big block i wanted for more power.

Im about ready to pull the trigger on a brand new mercruiser 496 MAG MPI that should give me the power and speed i want, but at a cost of $13000 compared to a rebuild that will probably run about $4000.

Its starting to make me sick to my stomach the closer i get to signing the check for the new engine after adding up how much i will have invested in this 25 year old boat!

original cost: $6000
Transom assembly & transom repair: $5000
Shore power & charger: $1000
Trailer: $2000
custom hardtop: $4000
Hardtop 4 sided enclosure: $2300
mercruiser 496 MAG MPI: $13000
Total Investment: $33,300

Am I insane!!!! Even with a rebuild, I'll have over $22,000 invested in this boat!!
How did I get in this predicament?? I love my boat but I keep looking at all the other boats (newer & larger) that I could have for the same money or even less in some cases. Its really starting to make me ill thinking about it. Yes i definitely have the disease but reality is starting to finally sink in now!!

Sorry for the long post but it helps to get this off my chest.... lol

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Rick,

I am puckering as I read your post. I am having a new rebuilt installed in my boat as we speak. It was not an easy or cheap decision to make. I feel your pain with the continued improvements and and constant one step forward and 3 steps backward. You could justifiably walk away from this right now and part out your baby. I understand your desire to stay with it. You chose the 255 for the layout, size and price. You got a lot for your money initially. Now you are paying the price. When you are all done you will have a great boat powered exactly the way you want and outfitted perfectly for your needs. That is ideal. The price however is not. I assume if you were to spend 30g on another boat you would still want to make changes to it (as we all do) to make fit your lifestyle and habits. I understand your pain and I wish you the best.
BTW- how much does your new top weigh? Sounds like your gonna need the extra power after all of the accesories that you have added.
I wish you the best and hope for blue skies and clam seas from here on out.
Darren

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Forgot to add the trailer i picked up for it. (added in now)

The atlantic towers hardtops are lighter because they use a thin fiberglass skin over the aluminum frame. Supposedly around 150 lbs.

 

[drtmnky]

I feel your pain too. In fact I think I should hold onto that pain and use it to remind me to keep up the maintenance. Good up keep goes along way.

Didnt some one say "a boat is a hole in the water in which one pours....?" What is the rest of that? I can't remember. I might be suffering selective memory loss here.

Rick you are a hard core boater and fisherman. If I had money to spend I think I would do the same. Good luck and calm waters for you.

Rob

 

[Spookeay]

Didn't some one say "a boat is a hole in the water in which one pours....?" What is the rest of that? I can't remember. I might be suffering selective memory loss here.

No no, It's boat.... B.O.A.T
Bust Out Another Thousand $

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

No no, It's boat.... B.O.A.T
Bust Out Another Thousand $

If it was only $1000 each time i wouldnt feel so bad .... lol

 

[Spookeay]

If it was only $1000 each time i wouldnt feel so bad .... lol

I know I have spent 4K in the last 15 days. LOL O well it's only got to get better ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Right?:huh:

 

[Mike Gazdik]

Well, I am new to owning a boat, picked up our first last fall. But I have been into cars, drag racing, for most of my adult life.

None of my cars were purchased to "flip". None were purchased with the thought of resale. None of the mods I did were because " I will get back my investment".

In my short time of boat ownership, I can see this is the same.

The boat is ours to do with what we want. I am not going to not do something to the boat because it is financially unwise. Boating itself is that.:grin:

I say, if you want a big block 'Jack. Do it!

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Well, I am new to owning a boat, picked up our first last fall. But I have been into cars, drag racing, for most of my adult life.

None of my cars were purchased to "flip". None were purchased with the thought of resale. None of the mods I did were because " I will get back my investment".

In my short time of boat ownership, I can see this is the same.

The boat is ours to do with what we want. I am not going to not do something to the boat because it is financially unwise. Boating itself is that.:grin:

I say, if you want a big block 'Jack. Do it!

thanks for that post!

It took a couple of weeks but after re-reading what you said, it did ease the pain a bit .... lol.

and yes .......... I did it!! The new Big Block is going in this weekend!

 

[KRB64]

Am I insane!!!! Even with a rebuild, I'll have over $22,000 invested in this boat!!
How did I get in this predicament?? I love my boat but I keep looking at all the other boats (newer & larger) that I could have for the same money or even less in some cases. Its really starting to make me ill thinking about it. Yes i definitely have the disease but reality is starting to finally sink in now!!

Sorry for the long post but it helps to get this off my chest.... lol

You are right where you should be. You took a good boat and made her better - customized for you. Take that same $33K and buy another newer/nicer boat and you'll start the same process over again, spending even more $ to get that one like you need.

"tis the nature of man's desire to never be satisfied"