iliveonanisland

41 apache easy to own and maintain. Go big or go home

iliveonanisland

no rude 300 v8s are thirsty. Your motors not so much

blacktruck

You can't compare your SC jet ski to new outboards, 4 stroke or 2 stroke, they are super efficient and can run over 1,000 hours easily. They are more efficient than stern drives partly because of the engines themselves but twin big blocks weigh, well over 1,100 pounds each, whereas big outboards are 500 to 650 lbs. But, having said that, sounds like you want a go fast, 30 footer. I like singles up to 29 ish but you could go 26 - 28 foot, single engine and it would be better value, a little easier to handle and maintain but still be able to camp out in. Formula 272, Fountain 27 and 29, Powerquest 27, Mirage 257 Trovare, etc. Scarabs are an option but they haven't made good boats for a long time, so they will be pretty old. Go and look at some in those size ranges and go for rides if you can.

F-2 Speedy

iTrader: (6)

How's Paradise RM..........

dezl_dr

Thanks for all the advice, it's appreciated. Saying going fast in this group puts the price tag way out of my range. But yea, top speed of 65-70 would be great. I really just wanted two motors for the one to bring me home if I have one fail. I've had a jetski leave me 15 miles from the dock and that was no fun. I have a little river jet boat now with a 502 in it, the fuel it uses isn't bad at all. But it has no use in rough water, even a big lake is too much for it. The thoughts of island hopping and spending a few days at a time on lake Cumberland have me looking.

Tractionless

Those Scarab engine bays are VERY tight to work in. The crossing to Bimini is actually best to make in summer when it is flatter and a Apache ($) isn't needed. I haven't made it yet but I'd be comfortable doing so in my '96 Baja 302. They sell in the $30k range, on plane as low as 25 mph, most efficient cruise speed 42 mph, will touch 65 mph top end, 150 gallon tank. Check Baja's thoroughly for rot, they're known for poor sealing at the factory.

dezl_dr

The performance sounds perfect to me. What kind of MPG at 42 MPH? I just want to know what to look for and the wood rot certainly is something I want avoid. I've had fixer upper boat before and they always take twice the work and money I thought going in.

Tractionless

Mine has '96 7.4 LX Mpi's, while haven't figured MPG I get 24 running hours to 3/4 tank. That's around 35 mph cruise typically. Good info and test video here https://www.boattest.com/result/Baja/Any_Type/Any_Size