New 250 SLX

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New Member
Sep 5, 2014
14
Smith Mountain Lake VA
Boat Info
2015 White with Tan Canvas, Champagne Inside
Engines
502 Mercruiser w/Bravo III X Drive
I just ordered a 2015 SLX and joined this forum so this is my first post. I have about a week to make my final accessories list the only one I'm not sure of is the motor. The dealer said I'll be fine with the 350 300 hp. The 250 is a fairly heavy boat compared to my Bryant 236 by about 1100 lbs. the 350 in that works real good in than. I'm looking for some advice 350 or 496 is the 496 worth the money and how much fuel will it burn over the 350. Thanks for any advice in advance.
 
Welcome to the forum! I have a 230 SLX with the 350 Mercruiser with 300 hp and the Bravo III outdrive. I think that you'd be plenty happy with the 350, but the 496 will turn that boat into a real beast.

Check out this website for a review: http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?ID=3158

I know that there are a few members here with the 250s, so hopefully they will chime in.
 
Very nice!

I can't comment on the engine choice, but was wondering...

What gel coat and interior color are you going with?

Options and/or option packages?

Details, man...details!
 
Thanks for the reply. I'm wondering if the larger motor may burn less fuel at cruse being that it will not have to work as hard say with 6 to 8 people on board.
 
Went with white with tan stripe and champaign interior captains call dock lights table stainless windshield fire system flag pole. White is so easy to keep clean and no fading.
 
Congratulations on the new boat. If you think you will be happy with a top end of around 45, the 350 will be fine. Cruise rpm will be around 3,300 - 3,800 rpm. If you want to break 50 mph, get the 8.2L. Fuel burn will be about the same at equivalent cruise speeds, as the 8.2L will be turning less rpm.
 
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new boat. We have friends who have the 300 hp Bravo lll option in their 240 BR and it performs just fine if you're not expecting 50+ mph. They're not as "fast" as the same boats with the bigger engines but I bet they won't be as expensive to maintain and run either. It pulls big boys on wakeboards, surfs, and pulls tandem skiers with no problems at all, and it can pound through the wind and waves to get us home in a hurry if need be too. I think the B lll has a lot to do with the responsiveness. Every time I drive their boat I am impressed by the fact that it's just a small block 350. When they first bought it I actually had to verify the engine package by looking at it. It handled much like the old big block carb boats that I was used to. Keep us posted on what ya do.

Edit: Just for the record; We have friends with the 496 mag engines too and although the fuel burn is about the same at cruising speed, it's almost impossible to keep the right hand from pushing down all the way. It just feels and sounds so good!!!!!!:grin:, 'till we get to the gas dock:smt021
 
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My boat ran about 46/47 with a 1/2 tank or less and one other person on board. I wanted the 496 -- the 350 was more than adequate. Things happen awfully fast at 45 MPH on the water. I had Captains Choice exhaust as well. Loved it. My wife, not so much -- she referred to that option as a--holes choice. The 250 SLX is a fantastic day boat -- hard to beat.
Good luck
 
One other thing -- the sport tower was worth every penny. No sun while you're running -- plenty of seats available in the sun. While on the hook, the bimini up with the sport tower was great -- the sun pad and the bow seats were still out in the open. I think it's a big plus for resale as well.
 
I've got the 496 Mag with 375 hp..... With 8 on board and fuel, it's the way to go. With only 2 or 4 it really scoots. As this is a heavy boat, I am glad I've got the engine it's got. Over the past 4 years I have kept track of fuel consumption..... tank in and tank out I seem to average 7.5 to 8.0 gallons per hour. Includes idle time as well as cruising and some spirited blast on the throttle. I usually cruise at 25 mph as it's a sweet spot. About 2650 / 2700 rpm. Capt's call exhaust is an awesome feature. Hope you ordered that too. I've got 249 hours on ours and it's like brand new. NO issues.

Shortcut, just noticed you show that you are in SW VA...... so are we.... Smith Mountain Lake. Where are you ?
 
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Not really anything to do with the model you're ordering...... But I have a 1998 230BR with the 7.4MPI Bravo one. After running this boat for 3 years there's no way in heck I would ever buy a boat without the big motor upgrade. I can have full 60 gallons of fuel, two huge coolers, and loaded with 8-10 people and the thing takes off like it's not even working. I can't imagine not having that engine. I've never heard someone say I wish I would've got the smaller engine. But you do hear I think she could use a little more power.
 
I was in a 280Sd with the big block and it was a rocketship...
can't imagine one in a 250
 
No one ever complained of too much power. Additionally, what will the noise factor be at cruise. Will you be at the same speed at few RPM and less noise with the big block?
 
How much is the 496 option? It will burn more fuel, but I don't think it would be enough to sway your decision. Your dealer should have the fuel burn figures for both engines in that boat. Also keep in mind the 496 will probably have a better resale value.
 
I have the 8.2 (502 not 496) and it is the only choice if you plan to carry several people and pull someone at the same time. The 350 is fine but will work much harder when loaded with gear and people. I also have the fixed forward leaning arch and it is well worth the dollars for comfort and resale. You did not mention seating but I opted for the optional seating and eliminated the cockpit sink. On a 26' 6" boat a cockpit sink is not very useful compared to additional seating. I have had my 2014 for about 5 months and have been very pleased. I am stepping down from much larger boats but find the 250SLX is a great boat for the way I am boating currently. The caption's call is nice so you can be quiet in marinas and get a little better power when in the open.

I am sure I will get slammed for this next comment but anybody worried about fuel expense should not be boating. There are so many more expenses involved I owning and operating a boat than just fuel.

P.S. I am in the oil and gas business!
 
I've been away thanks for all the replies. Talked to the dealer he's telling the 350 will be fine still have a week or so before final decision. So far this is what we got white with tan stripe, champagne interior, captains call, docking lights, table, stainless windshield, auto fire system, flag pole, pump out head. New for 2015 tan canvas for bimini, tan cockpit cover W/tonneau cover and upgraded head.
Wife wants the sink I want the seating but I have to give her something I'm leaning 8.2 she want 5.7 don't know who will win. Have to give her credit the 8.2 is over a 10% increase in the cost of the boat, only have so much money. I store the boat in my own cover dock with lift and do my own maintenance. Now I need to get rid of the Bryant then maybe the 8.2.
 
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Gotta admire a dealer who's *NOT* trying to upsell you on an option that will increase 10% on the cost of a boat, whether you agree with his opinion or not. I've seen pictures of the new tan canvas, which looks very nice. Also think you've made a good choice on the white, especially for maintenance as you've already mentioned. White/tan is a classic combo for a reason. Can't wait to see pictures of it!
 
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I'd give more thought to the ski tower/ radar arch. It has an integrated ski pylon -- I never used it but I'll bet it's a ball to ski behind with the attachment so high on the pulling boat. Further, really looks good. I'd trade the higher HP motor for that option in a heart beat
sounds like a great boat overall.
 
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