Not sure that I totally answered that one before.

I am going to start with n/a 454s and not go to blowers or SCs right away. My last boat was a 26 foot stinger with twin sbcs and wot of 55. (also a heavy boat) I want to learn the way the 28 handles and really feel what it is doing under me at 60-70 before I try to make it go 90.

Your wife? She was the ringleader.............






















Actually, I have to admit she was pretty much invisible down on the dock. She's pretty quiet to start with. Rob's girls were "fully engaged" by the time I got back mid-afternoon and I think she was just trying to keep out of the way.

Are you going to try and fix the engines? You'll end up spending $5K/engine easy, assuming the exhaust and heads don't need to be replaced. Then you'll have a salty rebuilt 4-500hp 454......which may be good for 100-200hrs if your lucky. My quote was closer to $8K/engine with new heads, if you need new exhaust your looking at 10-12K/engine. I can buy new for $10K full dress. I would cut your loses short and replace with new full dress engines. You will save money in the long run. Not trying to sell a boat here, but I am going through the same thing. That saltwater is hell on equipment, I will end up replacing everything on the back end of this boat. Probobly why the last two owners let that boat go for so cheap.

Thanks Chris for clearing that up for me, my wife puts up with my boats and business, and never really *****es about much, I guess that is why I keep her around, Andy I think the price to repower will be around 20,000 for 2 reliable 600 HP big blocks, or John could rebuild both or my old motors!!

Being as Bill never took them out, best bet to start would be to see what you have first, I'm fairly sure the exhaust is fine, if the heads and such are fine and you have quality parts in them, there is nothing wrong with using what you have to get it running strong...who knows it might just be rebuilding short blocks and doing the valves.

Congrats John! Can't wait to see her next year. We'll hook up at the islands and possibly get you to the Zoo in '09!

Thanks. I am taking it step by step. I don't know how much the engines will need, so not making summer plans just yet. Worst case scenario, I will mooch a ride from you.
That's not such a bad worst case.

You're always welcome, you know that! We had some awesome water on Sunday! What a great ride that was.

Congrats! I have a lot of catching up to do as soon as I get power and cable back at home.. Maybe one day you will bring her down to TX or maybe even the TF200... The first 12 pack, or bottle is on me

Thanks. Glad that you are ok down there.
Hope that power is back soon.