1999 Spectre 30 with 525's questions
 

I am thinking about buying a 30 foot Spectre with twin merc 525's with Bravo drives. I have a few questions. The boat and engines have 170 hours. Everything is all original.

1. These motors have blowers. Is there going to be any additional maintance or are these motors pretty much bullet proof? What issues might I expect?

2. What kind of gallons per hour should I expect at cruising and top speed? He says the boat currently does around 103MPH. I hope its not a fuel pig.

3. I live off the east coast of South Florida. Would this be an ideal offshore boat to have fun with?

4. Should I just find one with outboards?

Thank You

Anyone?

The blowers will probly decrease the life of the engines, but i suppose that depends on how it was cared for and set up etc. Itll prolly be thirsty for fuel if it runs over 100mph lol

The 525sc are good engines , they do indeed use a few gallons more fuel than a atmospheric engine with the same power ,because of the blower needs to driven off the crank ,and being less efficient .

You just missed a Deal in S.FL. A good friend just bought a 2003 with 500efi and XR with Imco shortys, clean boat for 55k.......steal!! pair of 525sc @ wot will go through a good bit more fuel than 525efi. I would guess @ wot probably 110-115gph, I think 525efis @ wot burn 90gph

I think it will be a much better boat with 300XS's top speed won't be to far off and fuel and maintenance will be less, also the balance should be better when you get up in the air. Won't sound as good though.

Dont know what kind of experience you have with a cat. You may want to make a call to your insurance carrier first! That may sway your decision.:cool-smiley-026:

I had a 29 Fountain with one and I am not a big fan of the 525SC. I had the blower rebuilt twice - both times the shaft broke. The 525SC doesn't seem to have a lot of low end torque either - may make the cat a bit more sluggish getting on plane. I would also be concerned with bravos on that boat. I agree with pstorti - outboards are probably a better choice of power for the 30 Spectre.

I burn 28-30 gph @90mph in my 28Skater and 37gph@100, these readings are for Both motors from my SC500, don't have WOT burn,am too busy watching the water and driving to read the screan.Next time my I have a rider I will record #'s

By the way how do you like your 37cc with diesels, I would love to have one of those!