what has always held me back from a 30 ft anything has been you really need to have a 3/4 ton or better pick up tough if you really dont need it for work or if a dedicated tow vehicle is out of the budget i just always seem to have a 1/2 ton p/u or suv

Not sure how much lighter a 27' with twins would be than a 30'. Do agree that a 3/4 ton would be better pulling, but 2 buts: The 27 may be heavy enough to also use a 3/4 ton, and today's 1/2 tons have amazing tow ratings.

I had a 272 LS with twins and now have a Formula 255 Liberator with twins. Both boats are within 200# of each other. Figure with full gas, gear and trailer you will tow 7500# +/-.

I have pulled both with a 4 x 4 1/2 ton PU and now tow with an AWD Cadillac Escalade ESV. If you ramp...strongly consider 4 x 4 or AWD...in SE Florida you will be hard pressed (at most ramps) to pull a 272 out of the water at low tide with out 4 wheels pulling.

Just giving advice based on my personal experience.

My 1999 suburban pulls my 272 fine at 8,000 to 8,500 on a steel trailer, but you definitely feel it around curves. I put that behind my 2004 3/4 ton suburban and it is like it went away, not there.

The flat glass is old school and for some, the only way to go. Turned down a couple good deals due to the curved glass, just not into that I guess. The small block alpha drives are a really simple and cheap setup. But an old 5.7 vortec truck motor and rework it. Alpha drives are cheap.

A 311 would be way better, but you are definitely into big block cost there and a 3/4 ton tow. Price seems high for an 86 unless it is really in good shape.

Good luck,

Brian

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-Formula...wer_Motorboats

mags

I have a 84 272 with kaama drives. 350 hardin marine engines. runs 70. only has 258 hours. I really like it, but will be selling it soon due to new house.