370ss and 400ss 525
 

hello,

looking for some input. Just sold my 330 with 496's and looking to go to a 370 or 400 with 525's. What is the cruise speed on these boats with this power? I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find that info with 525's? I do most my boating on lake st. Clair and may go an occasional longer run so fuel burn isn't really a concern? I know the 400 tops around 62 but what does the 370 top at? I also have seen a few fountain 38ec's with 525's that claim 70 top and 50 cruise but I think I prefer the formula for size and finish in addition to the walkthru windsheild. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

496s over 525s . not worth the extra couple miles per hour and drive rebuilds

Yes, I've heard that, but I also heard that no hole shots and drive showers they will live? I would buy the diesel d370 package before I would do 496's.

My D-6 350 volvo 400SS comes out of the water quicker than the 525 bravo 3 boats. I have run both of them extensively. The low boost mechanical blowers over turbos must have something to do with the bottom end torque?

Fossil fuel. I'm not completely opposed to the diesels, there are quite a few d370 boats floating around for sale. I have read the diesels accelerate faster just run out of steam up top, which how often are you really putting the sticks to the dash? Yours tops about 50ish and cruise about 40 correct? What is cruise on the 525 boat, I've searched everywhere and can't seem to find a number.

I can not stand the smell of diesel boats and to tie up to someone that has a diesel generator running for several hours, not!
Leaves a nice oil ring around your boat.
As far as ideal cruise speed I have not really paid much attention. I usually run 40sh and around 3600 - 3700 rpm I think.
62MPH is a given and I think in ideal conditions maybe 64-65 top?

Ozark, how long have you had yours? Drive issues? Header issues? Thanks for the input. There are not a ton of 525 boats compared to the rest of what’s out there. I’ve not noticed the diesel issue when rafting off with the exception of the old boats?

My input may be invalid, if so please ignore.
Why not go diesel? They make more torque so your on plane and cruise would be quicker. How often do you plan on twisting up and running wot? If your more of a cruiser than top end runner I'd go with the fuel efficiency and torque of diesel. I've been around diesel boats my whole life. Only times I've seen oil sheen around them is if they have the ole wick turned up to the point that they think it's cool to blow smoke everywhere. I'm a little biased I suppose since I work on diesels. A properly tuned injection pump or in this case properly tuned ecm will produce just as much and actually more responsive power than the obnoxious clouds of smoke do. Just my .02.

I'm interested in a 370 and wouldn't want the diesels for the torque. Not that I don't agree that it's more important, it's just that a bravo drive and too much torque IS a problem. I found that out the hard way in a 382 with 700+ ft/lbs. While I'm looking for older than the OP I'd love to find one with 500's. However, I'm probably going to end up with 496's and a 4,000+ rpm cruise........just paying a little extra for gas every weekend.

I really don’t mind the diesel, but I do about 3-4 poker runs a year on lsc and it’s always fun to put the happy sticks to the dash!! In Michigan summers are short and sometimes it’s more about smiles per gallon. Again if I can’t find the right deal on a 525 boat I will look at the d370 boats. Also with all the technology out there with the diesels is anyone making a turner for those motors? Even if it was a mild bump to 425-450hp I’m sure that would get it moving?

Being that is a common rail I'm more than certain a Volvo dealer could put some juice in the moose. I know our local Volvo equipment dealer in mobile alabama services marine industry as well.

I have had mine for 2 summers & no problems with drives. I just pulled my headers off in the spring (200hrs) &had them pressure checked. No problems found.

I have a 2002 400ss 496 motors. Around 500hrs. I would want around $140,000 Its in perfect condition. It has some tastefull updates and has always been properly maintained. It spent its life in a boat house in sandusky until 4 years ago. I store it in a heated warehouse during the winters now. Let me know if you interested.

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She looks clean, but I’m really not interested in a 496 boat and leaning towards an 09 or newer unless something comes my way I can’t pass up. Good luck with the sale.

So are you looking to buy or just looking?
What time frame if buying?
You live in Detroit area? I sold my 47 Fountain to a guy there.

Yes looking to buy, original plan was to keep the 33 and get a fast v or ob cat, the better half nixed that and wanted something smoother at speed. Ready when the right deal comes along.

Look for a 370 or 400 with the Ilmor V10, the 370 should reach about 70 mph.

The 400 is pretty rare, my neighbor has one it’s almost a 75 mph boat and has blown 2 motors already. Not aware of a 370 with that setup, further almost guaranteed more than I’m willing to spend. Definitely cool boat though

If you come across an older (2001-2007) 370/496 boat that you're not interested in please let me know. I'd like 500's but it appears I'm likely going to end up in a 496 boat based on price/availability. The 400's seems too big because I'd like a trailer for winter storage in my garage (yes, it will fit!).

Any consideration for the VP 8.1 motors? Know anything good/bad about them?

Nothing wrong with 496 motors, but for the intended purpose I would do diesel before 496’s? Same cruise speed and similar top end at half the fuel burn. My understanding is the Vp 8.1 parts cost more? There’s a cool 370 with 900’s and imcos on the west side. Lol. But I will keep you in mind as I search. Good luck

Thanks....if you see something around central VA you need eyes on give me a shout.

(It's older, but have you seen the updated 2001 400SS with blower motors and surface drives?)

I have a 330 & im thinking about moving to a 400. I would only do the Volvo diesels. Sure the 525's sound cool and push the boat a little faster but 1.75 miles per gallon at cruise sounds a lot better to me... I'm told the Volvo drives are bulletproof and if maintained properly will run 3000+ hours. I heard the top ends of the 525's need to be done every 300 hours. If that's even close to true then it's a no brainer for me. Resale should better on a diesel too. Good luck there are a lot of 496 & 525 boats out there.

We ran from Detroit to the keys. Most of the trip was slow....Erie canal, Inter coastal ect. The sections that we could run up 30-35 mph was perfect. Still moving along but could still see stuff. I made 2.3 Mpg on 30 mph. My boat is 350 D-6 volvos. Ran hard in the Chesapeake running with some go-fasts after a night at Chesapeake Inn. Ran up to 50 pinned. really did not matter 30 is better. I'm thinking repowering to 400's.........Sheeze not another project... BTW Fossil fuel 382 700 boat is again for sale in Michigan. Really great boat and priced right. I don't know why it was sold twice?

what a cool trip!!! Not really looking for a dedicated go fast. We do a lot of entertaining and like the ability of have 10-12 ppl but still getting out of the way of 75% of the boats out there.

Yeah, I have seen it on the net. That is sweet! Wasn't it for sale?

this boat that the late keith holmes put together is one heck of a runner! i don't remember off hand but i think he told me it ran 90 or close to it? again i don't remember. i would do the 400 over the 370 any day. we just sold our mint 2000 with 502's this fall. that boat was perfect & i would say one of the nicest one's around. the one for sale with surface drives would be cool as heck. if i was in the market for another one, that would be it. best of luck on your search.

todd

I actually called ck during the summer to inquire, said it wasn't for sale. The 400 in Cali is cool, don't know how I feel about those drives hanging that far back. We do a lot of rafting off with the kids as well as grown one's and I could imagine the gash those props could give! As to the 400-370 debate I think it's pretty clear considering there's not a huge cost difference in used market