Offshoreonly.com - Building a Sleeper

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I have a 2004 25 Talon that runs 95-98 all day long, 40K and it's loaded. 50 hours on the new 572" Victory marine 680. (2) covers, (2) props, etc. But like everyone else said, it's better to sell it stock, and buy a new, (new or used) to you faster boat....

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/5289881943.html

I know the owner of this one, never rode in it but I've seen it blow by me in a poker run. Pm me if interested I can get you in contact with the owner

going fast in a boat designed to go fast seems a lot cheaper and safer than going fast in a boat that wasn't designed to go fast. amen to the guy that also brought up the outdrive and steering issues. but all it takes is cubic dollars

I`d sell a condo that only allows a 25' boat. Start there :evilb:

So, this pic of a Formula 252 Bowrider seems to have the normal Formula hull. What do these run with 502MPI's, 500HP's, or etc....if any of these came factory equipped with them ?

http://images.boats.com/photos/hashe...20091712_2.jpg

That's a TERRIBLE idea. Boat not designed for that. Drive can't handle it. Resale value killed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandonb_05 (Post 4374471)

Cool ! Looks like it needs some Glass Dave attention under the crank pulley though.

The boat I posted has a #5 drive so that would take care of the bravo blues :riding:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papasmurf (Post 4374340)

New to the board and thought I would share my winter project with you guys. After many years of causal boating here on Lake Norman, I made the mistake of joining in on a fun run we had here a few months ago. Needless to say, my wife, son, and I had a blast watching the BIG BOYS go by and then joining in safely at the rear of the pack until the next stop. Never before had I ran my boat flat out for that length of time, and to my surprise, my wife didn't mind running faster than our normal speed (if you wanna call 58mph fast)
But that's all my stock MPI 454 could push my 252 Bowrider Formula...............................

Then it happened ! That need for more speed came creeping into my body?

But what to do? Im restricted in length at the marina at my condo to 25 feet. We really enjoy the extra room the bowrider offers,,Its also my wife's favorite place to sunbath as well as moon bathing,

ENTER: The Sleeper !
Remove the 528 hour factory LXI 454 330HP engine, sell off the parts, I don't need, and take the rest to MER Performance Marine and let Mark go to work building a ground up 540 EFI Stroker.

Should be an interesting build, and will update you guys on the final HP and speed this mild mannered family fun boat makes

The "Sleeper" idea is super cool. However the advice given after your original post is all true! You're going to be looking at 30-40K all said and done. That's stout 540, upgraded drive, hydraulic steering and upgraded performance tabs. The cat advice is a good one as well. But buying a 30k cat but that goes 100MPH is also dicey to say the least. (Probably due for some serious maintenance). I can tell you I've done both and both projects were super fun. However each project tripled my original budget to make them fast, reliable and safe. Have fun and get ready to smoke your wallet!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SB (Post 4374489)

This is correct - mention bowrider and folks forget the part in the water is what counts. Only the deck is different, and likely a few lbs lighter in the bow section. Plenty of guys out there have made these hulls fast.

Yes, he'll incur the usual steering, drive, etc issues. But so will a 20-30k cat IMO, since you are still most likely looking at bravo power and a fairly worn (or unknown build) engine. Not to mention the insurance issue many prospective cat owners encounter.