Building a Sleeper
11-11-2015, 12:32 AM
#41
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Just do it, I built a 99 mph 272 Baja, spanked 95% of the boats I ever raced, just get a credit card that gives you points and every year you'll be able to go on a free trip from all the points you'll earn keeping boat going
., around here 1 out of 5 25 to 27 foot checkmates, formulas and Bajas have built motors so its not a new idea but have fun!
., around here 1 out of 5 25 to 27 foot checkmates, formulas and Bajas have built motors so its not a new idea but have fun!
11-11-2015, 07:35 AM
#43
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As cool as a Sleeper is ,if the hull is not a performance minded hull it is a waste of time and money.
Keep the bowrider and buy yourself a 24 by 7 Pantera or Superboat. for 7 to 10 grand that is solid. Dont worry about a cabin or a big stereo . Just some Bolsters or good seats and a solid hull and drivetrain and run a Offshore boat like it was meant to be run
Build a nice motor for it and if it runs and does not blow up lucky you.
If it does it is a learning experience and you still have you bowrider to keep the wife and kids and you happy.
Once you get behind the wheel of a boat that feels solid and right your sleeper dreams will settle down.
20 grand playing with another boat is nothing compared to losing short summers diking around with trying to work the bugs out of the sleeper.
Keep the bowrider and buy yourself a 24 by 7 Pantera or Superboat. for 7 to 10 grand that is solid. Dont worry about a cabin or a big stereo . Just some Bolsters or good seats and a solid hull and drivetrain and run a Offshore boat like it was meant to be run
Build a nice motor for it and if it runs and does not blow up lucky you.
If it does it is a learning experience and you still have you bowrider to keep the wife and kids and you happy.
Once you get behind the wheel of a boat that feels solid and right your sleeper dreams will settle down.
20 grand playing with another boat is nothing compared to losing short summers diking around with trying to work the bugs out of the sleeper.
11-11-2015, 07:55 AM
#44
IMO if you want a sleeper this is the best route. The boat runs 58 with 330hp so it isn't that slow of a hull. I didn't catch if it currently had a Bravo 1 or Bravo 3? If it has a Bravo 1 then no need to upgrade the drive. Find some used hydraulic steering and keep your current engine for when its time to sell.
11-11-2015, 12:21 PM
#45
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I love sleepers for many of the reasons already stated. I say go for it. Keep your stock engine in case you want to go back and plan to add hydraulic steering when the engine it out.
Here is our Formula sleeper. My Dad bought a new 20CL Formula in 1978 with a 330HP big block/TRS. Only one of two 20' Formula's with a big block ever made. In the 1980's we pulled the engine, built it up and the boat ran up to 70 mph in the right conditions. Soooo much fun running jet boats and bass boats with a boat full of kids waving them on as we were walking on by! The last pic is me running solo on Lake Erie in Sandusky Bay in 1983. I was 17 years old. What a blast!
Here is our Formula sleeper. My Dad bought a new 20CL Formula in 1978 with a 330HP big block/TRS. Only one of two 20' Formula's with a big block ever made. In the 1980's we pulled the engine, built it up and the boat ran up to 70 mph in the right conditions. Soooo much fun running jet boats and bass boats with a boat full of kids waving them on as we were walking on by! The last pic is me running solo on Lake Erie in Sandusky Bay in 1983. I was 17 years old. What a blast!
Last edited by 4mulafastech; 11-11-2015 at 12:23 PM.
11-12-2015, 01:38 AM
#47
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11-12-2015, 02:25 PM
#48
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11-12-2015, 04:44 PM
#50
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At first I was thinking hell no I wouldn't do that but after I saw a picture of what that boat looks like it's not a bad looking ride for a lake boat. My 2 cents, if you're happy with the boat (and can visualize yourself happy in it in the next fun run) I'd remove and sell the 330efi engine and replace it with a 454/502 Mag EFI or a 496 Mag HO.....that should get you a decent power/speed increase (relatively speaking) that won't break the bank, will help resale, and won't require hydro steering. I'm guessing that will get you into the mid 60's and will have a choppier idle than your 330hp has now.
