Formula 280 6.2 vs 5.7's
 

I'm looking to purchase one of these boats, and I know it does not fit in to this forum 100%, but I can't seem to get this info elsewhere. There are two engines available, twin 5.7's or twin 6.2's which is a strocked 5.7. Horsepower is 300 vs 320 which is not much but I am assuming torque must be better. The question is whether it is woth paying the difference or hunting for a used boat with the 6.2's. The only big block is a single engine 496HO, but I only saw one of those for sale so I don't think it was very popular. Any thought's? Thanks

I like the twin small blocks over the single big block.

the HP is not much more on the 6.2's because the compression is lower. So, in theory, the 6.2's make more HP and should be more reliable. I'd take the boat either way though. both are solid engines and run well in the 280.

Please also note there were different 5.7's, there is a 350 Mag (300hp) and a 5.7 mpi (260 HP). Merc phased out the old 260hp version but just beware of that while looking used. The 5.7's run great in that boat too, just a bit slower.

Thanks for that explanation. The 5.7 is the 350 Mag version. Some I see are Horizon closed cooling . I am in salt water so I have to assume that is the way to go if I can find one with Horizons. I could swear I read that there were problems around 2003 with water ingestion. One of the boats I am looking at is a 2004 with 6.2 Horizons.

I have two 6.2's and love them so far, great cruise speed and the top end is not too bad. I would go for the 6.2's and they seem to be easy to work on.

I had a 2001 280 with twin 5.7. And i think thats the way to go

I survey many Sea Rays with both small blocks and the 5.7 is about as trouble-free as I've seen. True these have been V-drive boats, but for some reason I've run into more 6.2s that have had problems.

Jim, did you have any experience in the ocean with that 280? Wondering how it handled the chop, or 3-4 foot seas.

More info would be nice. The engines are mostly the same so I'm curious if the problems are universal or specific to 6.2's.

Ditto...because those 6.2's are the engines I'm looking for.

I have 6.2's in my Donzi and have had no problems but they are still very low hour engines.

I did a ton of research before buying and compared the 6.2's to the 350 Mag in detail and found they are mostly the same. I wasn't going to turn down a good deal on a boat with 350 mags (almost bought one actually) but I did prefer the 6.2's if it was an option.

The only thing I heard is that the 6.2 has a broader torque band, which is a good thing. I can't see why a slight increase in stroke would make for a problematic motor.

I have a 96 280 with twin 5.7 carb motors, and here in denver it runs great with 24p b-3s.
You can definetely get a better deal on an older one......... The main change other than the motors, was the interior patterns went more modern on the 2001. I have not had 6.2's yet but the 5.7s in this boat are pretty good moderate performance. You can fairly easily hit 60 with the right props on 300 hp.
Good luck on your search.

We have a 2004 Formula 29 fastec twin step with twins in MINT condition for sale if you are intrested. It runs awesome in 2-3's. Let me know

Thanks, but I'm not sure the Fastec will suit my needs. I definitley don't want a PC type, I would like air and a place to sleep for a weekend. Do you have a link to that boat?

My Dad has a 28 with A/C. for sale actually, lowest one on the market.

Runs great. A/C is a very rare option on the 28, it is more common on the next size up, 330? memory evades me right now.

Either the 280 or a Fastech you can add one of the new DC air conditioners if the boat doesn't have one... Which I think I'd prefer on a boat this size because of no generator. Add a few batteries for while you are out and plug in when you come in for the battery charger. One day I'll add that to my Donzi ZXO if I can find the room in the super small cabin.

[QUOTE=VetteLT193;3230470]My Dad has a 28 with A/C. for sale actually, lowest one on the market.

Vette, can you send me info on that 280 for sale? Thanks

I just purchased a 292 fastech with twin 6.2's...to be honest the boat is kind of underpowered. i would think with 5.7's it would be even worse. It already has noticeable bow rise upon take off...My suggestion go with the 6.2's and at least a 29 footer for sleeping. You can always add an AC unit. The 292 runs well in 2-3's like someone has mentioned.

If you decide on a smaller boat <28 you could probably get away with the 5.7's...to be honest a lot of the performance revolves around your props and trim tabs...with 24's and k tabs you can probably get out of the hole pretty quick...with 28's and bennet tabs the motors work a bit more but you have a faster top end...

280 for sale
 

I also have a 280ss for sale. It's a 2006 in MINT - I mean MINT condition!

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1989300997.html

It has the 5.7's and I loved the performance. I've talked to a few owners that have the 6.2's and there really isnt much difference in performance. I cruise comfortably at 40 and tops out at 60.

This isn't a go-fast boat - not designed for that, but it does give you the best of both worlds. Love this boat, but I am selling due to moving.

If you have any questions - don't hesitate to PM me. Thanks.

PS - I've also been in some pretty rough water, and it has handled it just fine. It actually loves 2-3's. Very smooth. No worries... it's a Formula.

I guess in a 280 Formula is not trying to go crazy with power. Considering the 310 has basically the same power, it can't be too bad. I suppose a 292 has more expected of it. Can you modify these motors with cams and ECU's, etc?

While I'm sure you could mod them with cams etc. in my research if you want the biggest bang for the buck you supercharge. I like procharger for a few reasons, others say Whipple is the way to go because of installation.

Regardless, you dump your few grand a motor and are done Vs. a bunch of odds and ends mods that don't net what you'll really want. When you do the exhaust get cheap aftermarket aluminum, nothing makes all that much difference.