aquaforce

The KAAMA advantage is 10% more than a stern drive. My 500HP strokers had a greater torque output than a standard 500HP and more reason for the speed. If you went 525's that probably won't get over 80 but more power should. There was a 357 for sale in NC that was 700's / KAAMA and it ran over 84.
Definitely put the 454's in the 272 and spring that sale on more power for the 357. Those KAAMA drives are waiting to go fast, lol.

502ss

iTrader: (3)

To give you an idea i just went through a TRS to Kaama conversion this past winter on my Scarab. I didn't do anything to the Engines (502's making about 565HP a side) and I went from 73MPH with the TRS's to 82MPH with the Kaama's! A bit better than 10% but they are definitely more efficient!

seeyouinajif

Now I'm getting excited, So as soon as I get the bank account back to where I had it before buying this hog I'll be searching for a pair of 525 or 600 SC's!

If only I wasn't going through a kitchen remodel at the same time. . .

Perfectmix

Congrats on the new boat! I had the exact same boat but in red. My set up was warmed over 420's, maybe 450hp, 4 blade props, 26pX16.5. Best was 67 at about 5200rpm. Like mentioned make sure to check/change the drive oil often, same with your twin disc tranns oil. Bearings for the drives are over the counter at most parts stores its the housings, gears, and boots that are hard if not impossible to find. Awesome boat have fun!

PG-13

iTrader: (1)

Any updates?

sprink58

I say 70 with one aboard...light fuel load...ideal 2~3 foot chop with the wind. Those boats typically run mid 60's with that power and Bravo I's. Great rought water boat. I've been in the Atlantic down here in the winter on that model in a Small Craft Advisory....5~8' miserable ass water !! The boat will take more than your body will !! LOL

seeyouinajif

Got the email and realized I hadn't updated this in a while. Boat is at the shop, went over a nice list for the winter with the guy working on it.

As of now motors are out, so here are some pics. Getting a few things redone, mostly making sure it's 100% mechanically right, cosmetic stuff can wait till next winter after we beat it up in the ocean for a season. Redoing the whole engine bay now with new glass (deleting the old exhaust holes), two bilge pumps and new blowers, battteries, refreshing the one old motor, new boots on the kaamas, mkaing sure the kplane pumps are good.







Engine compartment is cavernous without the big blocks sitting there





Final one for now, I'll keep taking pics throughout.

PG-13

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! Please post pics as you go. Why are you doing bilge area over? Did you find any wet areas or just cleaning up the mess? Love this boat. What are you doing to the motors? Where did you get the replacement boot for the drives? I know a lot of questions, I' m interested in seeing your process. What's up with the trailer so high up, gap between the fenders and tires? Are you going off roading

seeyouinajif

Yeah I'll keep taking pics I want to document the process, should be a good winter project. Thanks for the compliments, I love it too can't wait to rip around Boston.

Redoing the bilge just to clean it up, should be white, shiny, and look new before the motors go back in.

One motor is new one had a stuck valve and couple other issues, so the new one will just go back in and the older one is getting gone through- not sure if it's a full rebuild yet or what but most likely. The motors are the 420hp 454's so they will stay as is for now. Might do some nice stainless manifolds and risers if it's in the budget but no internal work.

Boots for the drives he's getting from a plumbing supply store I belive.

Trailer is too effing high. We did new axles and springs and brakes and I think he overestimated the weight of the boat. I'd like to pull a leaf out of the spring packs, I imagine this will be very bouncy going down the road how it is currently. After we put the boat in I'll probably address that.

DoczDock

Congrats on the boat. The 357 is a great boat! Classic offshore profile/lines. I had a 1989 272 with 454 (330 HP) and Bravo drives. Went right around 62 MPH. Moved up to a 1989 357 with the 420 HP and TRS drives. Still went right around 62 MPH.... didn't gain any speed but what an improvement on the ride! I now have a 1997 382 with 500 HP and Bravo's. Wife still misses the 357. Still like the profile of the 357 better....