Possible purchase of 87 300 weekender

[BobWaz]

As to problems I understand could be stringer problems under the engines and soft spots at the bow. Is this one of the problematic balsa wood cores? Any other problem s on the 300's? An ideas on fuel consumption and how low an RPM range to stay on plane? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JimG]

There's some 300 weekender owners here that can probably help.

Good luck and welcome to CSR!

 

[molson9]

I have an 87 300 weekender, have not found any of the problems you are worried about yet. I plan on pulling her soon "first time since I bought her" there are allot of things that can effect these boats like 350's vice 454's, Generators, Props, loads, saltwater/freshwater tides currants and the list goes on. At about 3000 to 3300 rpm with a clean hull I can get up to about 25 mph. Not sure what the gallons per hour are yet but I think Exxon stock goes up every time we go on a cruise.

 

[ks65609]

As to problems I understand could be stringer problems under the engines and soft spots at the bow. Is this one of the problematic balsa wood cores? Any other problem s on the 300's? An ideas on fuel consumption and how low an RPM range to stay on plane? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

We had an 89 300 express and loved the boat. It had the 454s, direct drive. I would not want this boat with 350s. The big blocks provide the torque needed to easily manoeuvre in tight spots, docking etc. Figure on a gallon per hour at cruise. 25 mph = 25 gph. I could run at 3000 rpm and 26 mph. 3200 rpm and higher opens up the secondaries. You will get where you are going in a hurry however beware of the increased gas consumption.
Not aware of the bow soft spots. Stringers can definitely be an issue as the limber holes were never properly sealed when the boat was manufactured. If the survey indicates some questionable areas, the only way to test the integrity is for a knowledgeable person to drill small pilot holes in these stringers. If the core is black and mushy, look for another boat.