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Old 08-16-2014, 02:08 AM
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I've been shopping for a couple months and have ruled out a single for several reasons, after owning a few boats some singles and some twins it's hard to go back to a single. The extra maintenance doesn't bother me as these are stock simple packages that really don't need much. I'm struggling with low power 5.7's and really only want mags or 6.2's but those are rare. Personally I don't think you can have too much power, not to race others but so you can comfortably cruise at any speed you want.
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Old 08-16-2014, 07:37 AM
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Just bought a 2000 280 last winter. Love the boat, cuddy and ~1 foot wider are key to the 280 being a better buy. Wanted a 260 with 496 originally, found a 280 with twin 350's and am very happy. Saved $1000's over 260.

The headroom in the 260 was about 1 foot less, the 280 is more comfy for sure.

Only draw back to the 350's is fuel usage, 260 with a 496 would be 25% better. Had a Velocity 280 with 454 MPI, would get about 2 mpg vs 1.5 for the Formula 350's at cruising speed. Would thing the 260 is the almost the same as the Velocity. Twin are much better for handling and ability to get you home if something goes wrong.
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Old 08-17-2014, 11:14 AM
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Thanks for all the info so far. Yeah I think I have 100% ruled out a single in a 280 just looking at performance and fuel usage I don't see how it would make sense. I would take a 260 in a single.

Now after reading and looking I am swinging towards a 280 as the enclosed head, extra couple feet here and there makes more sense. Also you can get 280s or the same or less of a price. But still would be open.


I guess im still stuck on the twins on a 280 as said above finding BBC or something similar I just haven't found them. I guess where Im stuck on is I found one boat that has twin 4.3s boat looks great. and engines are relatively new. Just wondering on performance and fuel usage.
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Old 08-17-2014, 06:00 PM
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Yea, two years ago, I was looking for a 280 w/ twin 5.7's. Twin BBC are rare in the 280SS, as are the 4.3's

I test drove a 280 up in the 1000 islands area . . . out of Clayton, NY, if I recall correctly. Didn't buy it, but it was a nice trip up there and enjoyed being on the water. I have a thread about my search on iBoats.com, if you are interested . . . http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gener...for-a-new-boat

I ended up buying a 330SS, and am glad that I got the bigger boat.
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Old 08-17-2014, 08:19 PM
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Prices are all over the place, watched them for 6 mos last year. 260's were more - especially with a 496 or 454.

My 2000 was $36K last July, bought it for $20K w/alum trailer when the exhaust was found to need replacing. Spent $4k replacing all of the exhaust manifolds, risers and a Y-pipe.

Fresh water boats are higher for that vintage - $32-35K if you can find one.
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Old 08-18-2014, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by tpenfield
Yea, two years ago, I was looking for a 280 w/ twin 5.7's. Twin BBC are rare in the 280SS, as are the 4.3's

I test drove a 280 up in the 1000 islands area . . . out of Clayton, NY, if I recall correctly. Didn't buy it, but it was a nice trip up there and enjoyed being on the water. I have a thread about my search on iBoats.com, if you are interested . . . http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gener...for-a-new-boat

I ended up buying a 330SS, and am glad that I got the bigger boat.

Yeah Im looking hard. It seems a 95-2000 280 can be had for mid 20s to lower 20s Some in the 30's range. For me a 330 is more than I would want at the moment.

Right now I have a 2001 on the hook for low 20's looks to be in great shape with SBCs but your talking almost 700hours on those engines and probably rebuilds around the corner. salt water boat

Boat 2 is the 1999 with 4.3s great shape asking 25. I want to pull the trigger on this one but the 4.3s and alphas have me worried but the engines are newer and its a nice boat. salt water boat as well.

Boat 3 is a freshwater boat but only has 170hous on the SBC, they are firm at like 23 which is more than the 2001. Just wondering if this is worth it since its a 95 but almost a new boat.
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Old 08-18-2014, 10:38 AM
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edit. actually found a few forums where guys were happy with the 4.3l and both claimed the boat could get to 53-55mph and was easy on gas.
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Old 08-18-2014, 11:12 AM
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Soldier- like I said before, if they are the 220hp 4.3 efi engines and you are at sealevel . I would think they would fine. I had those engines in a 26.5' Searay with flybridge and they were good on that boat. I dont think carb'd 4.3s are 220hp. sea trial with the boat loaded the way you would normally boat will help you decide. I boat at altitude so the SBC was the choice for me. I think the 280ss is a great combo of day/speed boat that can be trailered
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Old 08-18-2014, 11:29 AM
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glen, they are MPIs and we are talking sea level. The more I read the more I think it would be ok.

I guess what would one buy if it were them

1. 96 280ss with 5.7s 170hours, fresh water boat, no trailer, . 22k firm according to dealer(probably get a little out of them)

2. 99 280ss with 4.3s. 430 hours on boat 150-200 hour on the engines, no trailer, salt water boat. 25k have not negoiated with them yet.


Boats both look to be in good shape, the salt water one has bottom paint. But both look very nice.

Last edited by soldier4402; 08-18-2014 at 11:38 AM.
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Old 08-18-2014, 07:25 PM
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I'd think the 4.3s are 42-45 mph, 350's are 50-55.

There is/was a boat in the NY are with 4.3's in the low 20's, something seemed off and the boat stayed on the market the past year.

Your #1 would probably be a carb motor from the year?

There is a redone 96 in my area FS, check Detroit Craigslist. 2 new EFI 5.7's, aluminum headers. New canvas and Vinyl and paint. He bought it for $11, 'wants' 32K - likely negotiable.
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