260BR vs 280SS vs 271 SR1
 

So... I know these are 3 VERY different boats, but this will be my first boat in this size range, and I want to know what you guys would run (probably a bad question to a bunch of Offshore guys!).

I'm in Buffalo, on Lake Erie and Ontario regularly (80%+ of my boating on those 2 lakes). Previous boats have been fishing boats, and a Jet boat that was horrible in the Niagara river, let alone the lake unless it was flat... Got married last year, and the wife wants a day cruiser, I want something faster I think. Currently, we have a 185 Seadoo Utopia Jet Boat, and the ride blows... My Father in law has a 250LR Stingray with a 260hp 5.0L (not as underpowered as I thought it would be), and it rides very well, its really a decent lake boat with the 21* deadrise and tabs. My wife wants something similar, but faster...

Anyways, I have a few options right now that I can look at, only 1 I can reasonably sea trial (others are at least 5 hours away), which is the 271 that my wife thinks is too small to party on. She wants at least 2 other couples to be able to go, drink, eat, etc on for 4-8 hours at a time. I think she's probably right, its too small, but the speed is tough to beat, and it'll handle the rough lake waters the best (I'm thinking by far, but really have no idea).

Here's the options:
1. 1994 271 SR1 with a 496HO/B1 which was installed in 2005 (250 hours on new motor). Great shape, updated interior, bottom paint. 15K
2. 2000 260BR with a 7.4MPI/B3 17K
3. 2001 280SS with Twin 4.3l V-6/Alpha 1's 25K

Keep in mind I trailer my boat, and like to jump lakes from Erie, Ontario, Chautauqua, Finger Lakes, etc. So, the 280 seems like its at the upper limit of size (beam) to tow with my truck (3/4 ton).

How fast will the 260BR run with just a 310hp 454? Its a Bravo 3 setup which I definitely prefer over the B1 around the docks, etc, and with that much power, I don't think the drive is going to limit the speed. How easy and cheap is it to add power to the 7.4MPI?

What about the 280 with twin V6's? Faster than the 454 260 probably... What about fuel consumption, and how much easier/harder is it to maneuver the twins vs the single B3?

Does the price and power of the 271 outweigh the lack of space? Can anyone convince my wife that? haha

I have a 271 fastech Run it to Pelee Island from Lorain constantly. It does great with 6 on board. Sit down,Shut up,Hang on!Parting on it with 6 adults would be tough. We use it to get us there and back. My friend has the 280 SS and it parties 8 great but is so so on the water. I would go with the 280 if the boat is your destination and party spot. I would try to find the twin 350 with Bravo III power package on the 280 SS.

The Admiral (wife) would probably prefer the 280SS with the enclosed head. 271 would be best in rough conditions but seating is limited. The 260 BR and 280SS would be your people haulers.

the 280 is over the standard trailering limit, but you can probably get a seasonal permit to tow . . . not as big a deal as some folks may make it out to be.

Ditto with the above, I had a 271, 4 adults is comfy, 6 you vetter have a outlet at your destination, (beach, other boats) 271 will be a great buffalo boat, you will lose your ride in the other 2, Ive driven both, 454/260 and a 454/280 350's/280, hand down the 280 with 350's was the way to go, B3's made it a breeze to maneuver, wanna stay with a single stick with the 260

What he said. We have a 271 as well. To be honest it is a 2 couple boat only. Not enough room for long days with 6 aboard. Which is why I would like to move mine and go Center Console in about the same length. In your situation the 280 is your boat. Those 4.3's are only v 6 but tend to make good power. I would make the drive to sea trial anyway. You may find it underpowered with the v-6's. Twins are much better around the dock hands down. Lots of room for people and bags of extra stuff they bring. Quite seaworthy and still easily trailerable with your 3/4 ton truck. Just not as fast as the 271 or have that "offshore look". But its a much better boat for what you want to do with it.

We've got a 302 (a bigger 271), and a 330 (a bigger 280). As there is always a group, the 302 sees very little use. It's sad. While the 302 rides better, is faster, and can easily cover ground to get somewhere, it just does not handle a group as well. Hate to say it, but of your choices, the 280 is better designed for parties.

But, your 280 is priced close to what a bigger offshore boat from the 80's would cost. Some of those have large cockpits and useable cuddies, plus they will ride better when the seas kick up, a selling point as it's for your wife's safety.

I have a 280SS with the 260hp V-8's. they are great day boats with enough cabin for a nap and an enclosed head. They are wide for their length and very stable on the water. I would be leary of the V-6's. though. Definitely try before you buy. I personally would look for the 280 with the 300hp V-8's and the B3's. Was just out at Flaming Gorge with mine this weekend and had a blast.

Here where I stand. I bought my boat for me and my family. If everyone else wants to boat, they can buy their own. I don't mind having another couple on board, but more than that, too many people.

I totally agree, people generally have no respect, have no idea about boats and helping out. The get hammered, make a mess, and complain.
Now a couple close buddies or another couple is totally different. Can be real good times.