Lake rat Skater

2.5 sportmaster seem to be alittle better than the ones on 3 liter mercs. Many have made minor modifications with good luck to increase lower unit life however.

If you are going to run the hell out of it like a race boat you can not beat 2.5's, If you want max top speed and oil injection get 300x, If you want fuel economy get the new 300 XS motors. Three of any of these motors would put a 32 over 110 mph.

stimleck

That is the understatement of the year, try they will bankrupt you! I'd rater run twin big blocks than 3 x's

Double Rigged

iTrader: (1)

There was a 32 with triple 300x's that ran 123mph with modified motors. Personally I run my boat in the ocean all the time and have not really had any issues with the 3l gear cases. Stay on top of them and make sure you have no water and use the throttles they will live.
I would think the longevity of the 3,0ls would be longer than the 2.5's.

bulletbob

Someone came out with a seal kit fixing the 3.0 LU problems. I have run 2.5s for the past 10 years HARD, in and out of the water. With a good drive guy I went two seasons maintenance free, other than LU fluid changes, not even a spark plug change in the powerheads ,just gas and go. What Lake Ratskater posted above is spot on and with mods to the 300xs, 400 hp is there for the taking if you have the $$$$!

Bob

302Sport

This is very contrary to what I have heard, and have seen from some local guys who run their boats hard in the ocean.

chardt

I have a 2000 32A with triples and 300x motors, it’s a great boat. I run my boat hard on Lake Michigan. (not exactly calm water) I normally run around 80mph (good cruising speed), 2 to 3 footers is fine anything bigger and I slow down. As far as the lower units go; just make sure you install a Lakeland vent kit and mad efi quad seal carrier on the lowers, if not the center one will blow fast. (blew 2 in the first 10 hours, none in the last 300 hours) I rebuild my outer drives every 100 or so hours and my center one every 50 or so. (Craig Colabella is who I use) I change the oil in my center drive every 10 hours and the outer ones every 20 hours. Four blade props are also easier on the drives. I put about 50 hours on my boat each year. Just remember you can buy a new sportmaster for less then a rebuild on a number six.

Carl

bulletbob

I'm not following you as to what is contrary? I have been running the same 2.5 LUs' for over 10 years with no major issues other than normal wear items, clutch dogs, gears and water pumps. Or are you refering to the 3.0 ltr lowers? I'm on my 3rd season with nothing more than LU fluid changes with my 2.5 LUs'.

Flightplan

Yep, Finally got her home DR. I didnt want to say much until she was hooked to my truck, but she is safe and sound in my shop now.

I'll start a thread on this boat in a few days when I get some pic's and more info. Motors are supposed to be less than 1 hour on 2003 X's, I hope to confirm tonight by hooking up the Smartcraft that were never installed. I have no reason to doubt the seller, great people. Hull is in pristine condition and has been stored since 2003. If the hull has more than 50 hours I would be shocked. I have never seen a used boat that is this perfect. She came from Skater with Tripps. (260's) I have all of the original doc's.

Original owner Michigan. 2nd owner Lake Cumberland, now me. Key's, who knows but it sounds good to me...YeeeFreakinHawww!

Oceans15

I have twin Optimax 300's on my 32B and the engines run strong at 90 but the starboard counter rotating lower is always under scrutiny. Change oil out every 10 hours and now have a great mechanic that goes through them every spring - I'm happy.

noli

.

Wow, she's finally on the classy section!

A 32 w/ tripples !

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o58897-en.html

Photo Credit: OSO Classifieds