Jon01 - UGPM

im not looking to high jack this post, I tried Private message but you box is full. anyhow
Hi I have the same boat as you. I just bought it. Im curious if you could tell me at what rpm do those 320 efi spin at when you are wide open and what is the best speed you ever got?
Thanks
Jim

Hey Jim I'll send you a PM.

My buddies selling my old boat 1997 2252 Arriva, 454, this image is factory but his has the graphics changed, its gonna be around 19k

I would think that a 280 would be too much boat to tow with an F150. Real overall length of those boats is closer to 30 ft, because I don't think they counted the swim platform. I have an 88 Force 235, and it is closer to 25 ft by today's standards. Not the fastest hull around, and it would have really benefitted with a 24* deadrise, but the cockpit layout has a ton of space and the cabin has very good room, lots of storage, and a fridge and porta potti, which the wife likes. :)

The older 240 Sport Baja's are nice boats, but I hate the cuddy access on them - it's like crawling through an MRI tunnel. The newer 25 Outlaw has a much nicer cabin and better access, but the cockpit seems a little tight to me. I like more legroom between the front and rear seats, maybe room for a cooler.

Formula certainly makes a solid boat with a lot of usable room. I also think you should take a closer look at the Powerquests - I think they make a really nice boat. The 280 Silencer with the weekender package (fridge, microwave and shorepower) would be perfect for your needs, and probably still towable with a half-ton. If that is too big, step down to the 260 Prowler. I looked at the PQ's at the local boat show years ago, and I was impressed with the rigging for a reasonably priced boat.

If I find the right boat and it is bigger than what a 1/2 ton truck can haul, I can keep this boat docked locally until I find the right tow rig to move it around. I do however have a 30-32' limit based on dock space.

I've started looking at the powerquest but I have only seen them in a single screw, I do want twins which is why I was asking about the baja 280 with twins.

Oh, OK, didn't realize you were wanting twins. If I was buying a twin engine boat in the 26-28 foot range, I would be very interested in something with twin small blocks with Bravos. That would be a very low-worry combination that would be turn-key for very many hours, and still probably give you good speed in a boat that size. I wouldn't necessarily be scared away by one with twin Alpha's either - they would probably hold up fine behind small blocks, and they are cheap to replace if one lets go.

PQ made a 29 with twin big blocks - 29 Enticer, I think. I also like the older Formula 291's, but that is a big boat. 271 is probably more in your size range.

I have always loved those Arriva boats. Even at 20 years old everything looks modern and current right down to the graphics.The way the exhaust exits the hull is a thing of beauty, looks like it should be on a Ferrari not a boat.

Thank-you all for this education. After chasing down all of your leads and suggestions which helped me gain clarity on what I wanted (and needed), I found myself choosing to go with the Formula 272 SR-1 with dual small blocks and B1's. It was through this thread that I found the actual boat and for that I am grateful to all of you and OSO.

Congrats! Post some photos of her.