did a lot of shopping 280s are going to be 50mph with 5.7s maybe 55 with 6.2s with the 280s I WOULD NOT get a single to much boat and if it came with 6.2s and I like it I would take it but nothing I would seek out. 260s with a single BBC will probably be 45-50mph.

I searched and searched and ended up going with a chaparral 265SSi they also make a 285SSi, very similar lines and performance to a formula. Very nice boat so far, probably save you a few bucks for the same quality of boat.

Scope- you don't mention whether you are going to trailer or not. If you are, the 280 has a little over a 9' beam and I think the 330 is about 10'. There is a lot more boat to trailer with the 330, you will need a pretty heavy duty truck for the job. OTOH if you are not trailering the extra space and size of the 330 would be nice, especially if you are going to do the occassional overnight. I really like my 280 and it is an easy boat to trailer.

In Chicago, my boats have to sit in a slip. Another reason why I'm considering an SS over an offshore.

ouch!

Curious as to what a 330 with 496's would do?

A lot of info on the 330ss.

http://www.boattest.com/Partners/Par...oid=339&p=0&s=

We just got a beautiful low hour 2006 280 Bowrider. It is has twin 350s with bravo 3 drives. We love it. Only have about 3 hours of use. On a cold texas morning with a small chop I hit 60 mph GPS (on the limiters).We cruise at around 38-40mph at 3500rpm. IMO you can't go wrong with a Formula. Keep your eye open for a good deal prices vary widely. Smart craft and Imron paint are the options to have.

FYI we wanted a single 496 boat but happy we got the twins, a lot easier for docking.