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Building a Sleeper

Old 11-09-2015, 08:14 PM
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Default Building a Sleeper

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
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Old 11-10-2015, 12:39 AM
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I would keep the stock engine for when its time to sell the boat.

600hp will probably get you into the low 70's. The increased hp will also create increased outdrive issues and the need for hydraulic steering.
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Old 11-10-2015, 12:45 AM
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Save the $$$ and buy a cheap 25ft cat
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Old 11-10-2015, 04:20 AM
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Originally Posted by endeavor1
Save the $$$ and buy a cheap 25ft cat
What would you call an inexpensive 25' Cat????
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Old 11-10-2015, 05:29 AM
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22 or 25 Eliminator is always a safe bet in all departments and they can be had from $20 to $30k. 600hp will most likely put one over a 100. There are a lot of open bow cats out there now also...although they might not be as fast. When I have my 28 the GF would lay out on the bow...she really was a nice hood ornament!
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Old 11-10-2015, 05:32 AM
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The wife wants the bowrider. The dude wants to go fast. Sounds like big hp is a fair compromise. Hope you have a thick wallet.
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Old 11-10-2015, 06:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Griff
I would keep the stock engine for when its time to sell the boat.
x 1 million or so.
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Old 11-10-2015, 06:05 AM
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^^ +2 million. Heed the advice of griff.

Honestly if it were me, I would skip the idea altogether.

Last edited by 1MOSES1; 11-10-2015 at 06:07 AM.
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Old 11-10-2015, 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by thirdchildhood
The wife wants the bowrider. The dude wants to go fast. Sounds like big hp is a fair compromise. Hope you have a thick wallet.
There are plenty of open bowrider cats
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Old 11-10-2015, 07:36 AM
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Then there was two..

That was the comment my wife said when I showed up with our Donzi Years and years back.

As I pondered taking my 454 sea ray bow-rider and adding components to make it break 60 mph and add exhaust etc. I realized at the end of the day I enjoyed the sea ray for what it was. Easy to cruise.. booze. swim off . beach anywhere . you get the point.

Sea ray on the hoist.. Donzi put in on week ends for the couple time.. get to the restaurant fast. make noise. go 74 mph.

The 30k upgrade would do nicely on another Boat for those times you want that speed...

Maybe a pair of Formulas. Good venture either way!!
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