Formula 292 - 5.7s or 6.2s?
 

I have a 27 year old Chris Craft now, and the second my car is paid off will be putting my money where my brain has been for the past 3 years.

A used 292. It fits in my garage, I can trailer it 2x a year, and it's 5' longer than I have now, meaning I feel like I can control it. But it also has two of the things that make boats great.. - engines.

I'm seeing 2005-2007, ones with 350s or 6.2s.

1. which is "better" - and why
2. is there a certain year that has significant improvements over the prior?

I'm hoping to come in around $50k, but think it may be closer to 70k to get where I want...

Thanks!

no personal experience but I've read the 6.2's top out around 75, where as the 350's top out around 70. most guys seems to say the real difference is felt in the midrange. Again just what I've read on here anyways. hull has been around since I think 2002 so plenty of years to choose from besides just 05-07. happy hunting!

I had a 03 with 6.2s in it. I would go the 6.2s again. Needs the power to get her out of the hole. Don't overlook the 271 fastech with the 502. It runs in low 60s and is balanced. Also great on fuel and easy to work on. It has been my favorite boat I have owned.

6.2's, lighter and stronger.

I have a 2004 with 6.2s.

73-74 is the best I have seen with 28p props and better spark arrestors.

Great all around boat and not bad on fuel for a low 70's twin engine solid boat.[ATTACH=CONFIG]566465[/ATTACH]

I have an 02 292 with 350s. Its a 68-70mph boat, but you'll hear anything above 70 and they start to chine walk. One of the reasons they stopped putting the 377 Scorpion motors in them. Boat just isn't meant to do 80. I wanted the 6.2s for the extra HP but I couldn't pass on this boat being the overall condition and low hours she had, so I settled for the 350s. I would go with the 6.2s but if the right boat comes along I wouldn't let the engines sway you. I'm still very happy with my decision.

I love your color scheme. Most of what I'm finding has way too much yellow, and looks like it's from the 90s...

70 MPH is fine for me. I'm concerned about parts reliability and availability. I'm guessing both the 5.7 and 6.2 are so common they are about the same...?

Thanks for the input! Your's isn't for sale by chance is it :)?

Pm sent

There's a pretty nice looking one with 6.2's here...... http://www.grandsportcenter.com/pop-...la-292-fastech

2005 around 200 hours, asking $59,990 and only a little bit of yellow!

Can't quite understand their claim about the different hours on the engines, "one ignition was left on" the biggest difference is between 750-1499 rpm's! (Read the scan sheets on the two engines)

Happy shopping,
RR

Thanks rak rua, I found that one as well on boat trader... I didn't dive as deep on the hours. Do any of these have closed loop cooling? I plan to run in salt/brackish, and would love to keep that out of the block...

So the 6.2 engines are bigger and lighter? Good to know. Any features or options I should look for on these boats? Anyone suggest any similar boats? I've seen some Donzi 33s, but they all have much bigger engines, top out about the same, and have a lot of what I'll call "dead weight" a fridge, a full toilet, bigger sink, etc... I don't plan to be on the boat more than a night or two, and we are in an area with plenty of restaurants... I figure hauling all that weight around + more to go wrong... isn't for me. The lux is nice, but I like to BOAT. Anything that has more storage than my 2002 sea-doo XP is luxury to me :)

6.2s have been know to have IAC issues. They burn up and motors won't idle until replaced. I think it was an issue when they were mounted on top of the engine. I believe they've been moved since to somewhere lower on the motor but just something to look out for. They are easy to replace just have to keep an eye on them and have spares handy.

6.2s do have a closed loop option, those were the horizon motors. but I don't think they were offered in the 292s and I don't think they have the same HP as the Mags

Can't for the life of me understand why so few boats have closed cooling. The only 6.2's I've seen with closed cooling are in small cruisers, Sea Ray Sundancers Formula SS and PC models. You can retro fit closed cooling, numerous kits available but it's an extra cost x 2.

I had a 6.2 in a new Sea Ray back in 2007. Only had it for 31 hours then sold it, hated the boat but the engine was very nice, smooth and quiet.

RR

Cost. Cost is why few boats have closed loop cooling. Same reason cars are still make without automatic headlights... cost... that and if it blows up at 500 hours, they can sell you a new block.

True, I can add closed loop cooling after the fact.

496 blows the IAC too. Been there done that!

6.2's have had piston problems in the past. With only 4.5 qt oil capacity I'd at a minimum run the best synthetic oil I can find (Gibbs Driven, Amsoil, etc) and a tall filter. Oil coolers would be even better.

4.5?! I'm used to 7 on my 460 (I think the manual says 6, but that doesn't make it to the 'safe' on the dip stick).

Crazy, huh? My 496 takes 10 qts.

you might look at 32-35 Fountains, they typically have a little less in the amenities department but in a similiar size. I'd say pretty close in build quality. others would include Powerquest or perhaps a Sunsation. you could argue there's always Baja, but I'd rather not turn this thread into another baja vs (insert manufacturer here) debate:duel:

I've not seen the attention to detail from some makes. My Chris Craft is old, but attention to detail and quality is why I love it...

Fountains always look a little off to me w/that front end... so pointy! But yes, I will take another look. I don't think I could fit a 35 in my garage though. I'd really like to use that for winter.

my 292 has closed cooling. This is the SEACORE option from Mercury in the newer boats. It has a number of other coatings on the outdrive to reduce corrosion, and of course closed loop. When you get the ECT(catalyst engines), you have a little more weight to deal with, but these are rock solid boats that look great, ride great, can take some nasty conditions, are cheap(for boating measures) to run, and will last a long time(just try and blow up a bravo behind 320hp). Great package for what it is....I love it.

Good to know!

Can any one who has a 292, on a trailer do me a small favor? I plan to garage my next boat for winters. My bay is about 36' deep on the inside. so.. a 29' should fit... BUT... does anyone have a LOA on the trailer? From prop to tongue? I don't want to bring it home and have an ohh crap moment...

Thanks!

I have a 2002 292 with Loadrite trailer. Boat is 34 ft from, front of ball on trailer to swim platform

Awesome, thank you. that should JUST fit with enough room to get by behind it. Is yours a double or triple axle, and should I care when buying?

Don't the props stick past the swim platform though? I'd have to look at my boat now, but I think the prop sits almost a foot back at least...?

thanks!

When I move my boat out this Friday, I'll re-measure my shop depth. Realtor told me it was 40' outside. Reality is closer to 38' outside... minus cinder-block, minus garage door...

I have my 2002 292 listed, it has 6.2 377 Scorpions. A option you will likely not find anywhere else. It will be coming out of the barn in the next week or two for detail and service.

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/6066138559.html