First Stinger
 

Well I went and checked out the 86 Stinger 260 that was on e-bay last week and its in very good shape. So what else could I do but buy it:D . The only problems I could find was one tach. not working and the compos leaked. The engines cranked right up after sitting since last season and ran smooth. In fact the condition of the engine compartment and engines is what pushed me over. The trailer is a triple roadrunner custom (10K lbs) in like new condition. NADA says the 86 260 wt is 3800 lbs, that can't be right. The Stinger 260 is the biggest 26 ft speedboat I think I have seen. How much does it realy weigh?

Only odd thing was when I was running the boat I could not get proper trim from the tabs to matter how I made adjustment. The owner said he always had problems making changes while underway so he just set them at 5 down and left them there. On the trailer I did some checks and I could not belive what I found. The tabs are strong and worked perfectly except for one thing, they are wired backwards:eek: . Yup the starboard switch controlled the port tab and visa versa.

OK now my first project is to move the exhaust from above the swim platform to below (about 12 in). The boat has stock Merc. 3" exhaust w/ 90 degree risers. My thought is to replace the 90s w/ angle down risers or ss pipes. I dont want to replace the manifolds yet but I was wonder if ss pipes like from Gil will bolt to the stock Merc manifolds. Any help on how to approach this project would be great:cool: .

Pics we want pics...more importantly pics... hahaha congrats!

OK Pic's. Sooo how do I add pic's?

Ok right below where you type your response there is a button called "Manage Attachments" click it and that will allow you to upload pics.

I have looked but I can't find the "manage attachments" option.

I see in my posting rules it says I may not post attachments. Is this because I'm new? I will ask the web master for permission....pretty please.

Oops... yea you need to have a paying membership.
Trust me it's worth the money, you will gain a lot of knowledge and help from this site. I've been a member since 2001.

Congrats!
I too just bought one this season but I have had Scorpions (smaller ones before) Just working my way up to a 390X...someday?!?!

By the way, your weight is correct. They are actually 3880 dry (as per manual) and a bit more when you fill up the tank with that expensive gas :eek:

happy boating. I have had mine out a few times already tearing up Lake Ontario :D

Congrats on your new Stinger!
I also purchased my first stinger this month, although sounds like yours is in much better shape. And yes pay for the membership, I have learned so much from these guys in a month. Post those pics as well. I would like some of your exhaust, and some of how ever you change it. Might come in handy for me later, I still have to build motors and then run my own exhaust!
Send a mesasge to glassdave about your trim tabs, he apparently knows a good deal about the stingers and may be able to help you! Good Luck

I found some 30 degree down 3" elbows that I can use with my existing manifolds and risers. They are $35 each and I need 4. I think the exhaust hose from the elbow to the transom will bend enough to attach directly to the thru hull tips without another L.