Danny Troy
Member
I am in the process of purchasing a 206 280 sundancer 496 b3, I have it listed on my profile but do not have it yet. My question is do you like the 496 set up? I have read so many posts arguing in both directions. I would like to hear from some one with 496 b3 knowledge. I boat at The Lake Of The Ozarks. It get pretty rough for a lake do to big boat traffic.
i currently have a Ultra Custom 28 stealth with a 496 HO. It only ways 5600 pounds loaded. I get around OK with it but want to change to cruiser. This sight has been very helpful in my decision of the 280 sundancer but has me confused on power plant.
I am supposed to look at the boat in one week and have a hold on it but not sure if I am making right decision on on single engine. I know that I am going to hear the slow speed monuvering is tougher but being a long time boater I have no problems with single with X drives and b3 should be a better set up.
Welcome to CSR!
I weighed the pros and cons of the 496 when I bought mine and in my case I think the 496 was a good decision. First, like you, I boat on a lake, so no worries about not being able to get back to the dock in case of engine failure. On my lake there is always help nearby and in a pinch we can use the Sea-Tow boat that's docked on the lake. Also, I do all my mechanical work, so the more room and the less to work on in the ER the better. The 496 is a huge engine, but probably still has more room to work on it than squeezing two 4.3 engines in there. As far as power, it's all the power I need. I've taken it to about 41-42 mph, but at the price of gas I rarely get the RPMs up that high. Speaking of gas consumption, it might be a wash between the 4.3s and the 496. Both setups suck gas.
One nice thing about the 496 is that they are all closed loop cooling, so the antifreeze remains in the engine, like in a car. It makes winterizing easier, and has less deterioration of the cooling system, since salt water never gets inside the engine.
One problem you will find is finding a good freshwater 496. I wasn't able to do it, and had to settle for a nice saltwater boat. It's a nice boat, but I would have preferred a freshwater boat. Much easier to find the 4.3 freshwater boats, since most were sold with that configuration.
Good luck with your purchase!
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