under powered or not

[Strecker25]

I know this isn't exactly the question asked, but when looking at the different engine/drive combos also keep in mind maintenance costs and figure that into your purchase. I had decided that either the 4.3 or 5.7 would be fine for us since it will mostly be my wife and I anchored in our small bay or putting around at cocktail speeds.

I found two boats, same condition, one with 4.3's and one with 5.7's. Surprisingly, parts seemed to be quite a bit more for the 4.3's than the 5.7's. We sure won't mind the extra power on tap but that didn't end up being our deciding factor to go with one over the other.

 

[Chris Nowell]

Welcome to CSR. When you ask for opinions ya sure get some variations don't ya? I'm inclined to compare the performance of previous boats with prospective boats based on a weight to horse power ratio for starters. If your previous boat was 5500 lbs, had a 325 hp engine in it, and you were happy with the performance, then it would be fair to assume that a ratio of about 16.9 lbs per horse power is adequate. Eg: our 260 DA was grossly under powered for our use at 27.7 lbs/HP. Our Monaro had the 4.3 and a ratio of 18 lbs/HP and it was tolerable. Our 240 DA was 21.2 lbs/HP and I would have liked a bit more. Our last ski boat was 9.6lbs/HP and was lovely. Granted, the hull styles, out drive types, and prop sizes are going to be major factors in your top end and hole shot performance but this ratio will give you some idea of what to expect. Good luck in your search. Like a few of the others have mentioned, there's lots of them out there. Make a good decision not a fast one. I find it helps to sleep on any new info before I make a decision based on it. Go for a ride, have a good night's sleep, and see how you look at it in the morning.

 

[magstang1]

Seriously? I respect you for making your situation work for you. But aren't you telling this guy to compromise and just don't expect too much? Why?. There are other 290s out there with bigger motors for the same or less money.

Because if he keeps his expectations realistic and doesn't ask the boat to do things it can't, he won't be disappointed. He probably won't buy it either if it doesn't meet his expectations.

Seriously.

 

[c-ray]

Hello everyone again i bought the boat and have had it a week now and i love it. As for it being under powered i don't think it is at the moment i have had pretty much a full boat with 5 adults and all was good. thanks for all the help & info.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Congratulations on getting a nice boat. I've always liked the Sundancers and especially that sweet spot in the 290-330 range. Nice boats.

Now how about posting some pics so we can all enjoy your new baby.

BTW, where are you located in MI? I grew up in Saginaw and spent a lot of time on the Great Lakes and inland lakes. Love that state. Hate that humidity.

 

[Strecker25]

Congratulations! we just got ours on Friday as well. Pretty much the same boat...98 290DA w/ the 5.7's.

 

[dpmulvey]

...There are literally thousands of boats for sale that would be considered "under powered". .....Take the wife and a friend or two and tell the broker/owner that you have some concerns about power. And fuel consumption....

Shawn

I'd say bring a friend or 8. When I tested my Regal 2465, my mech insisted we super load the boat for trial. He was a live aboard and he'd been a marine/auto mech for over 30 years. The boat had basic power; a Volvo 5.0 carb 220 HP and we were both worried. We loaded her down with full fuel and 5 adults + two teens. She topped out at 30 knots at 4300 RPMs and cruised at 20 knots at 3500 RPMs. Tom me at the time she was too sluggish. Mech said she's not reaching WOT. She's over propped. Buy it. The fix is cheap.

A new new prop and same load later and she reached specs, increased speed both desired cruise and top end and cut fuel consumption.