1999 Pantera
 

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to pick up my new (new to me) Pantera 28' from the factory. Jo's installing a pair of 6.2 mercs and a few other things that should be done shortly. How do I need to "break in" the engines?? I've only had outboard boats in the past and you needed to run then a cretain way for the first few hours to get the best life from them.

Merc has a guideline for break in procedures for the first 10 hrs. I'm not sure exactly what it is by the rpms and increments or if it varies by engine.

What boat did you get?

Seems like lots of Panteras down in the Carriebean :D

Thanks, guess I just have to be patient and wait to pick the boat up and get the manuals. I bought an all white 1999 28’ that Jo took in on trade several months ago. The boat needed motors so it was the perfect opportunity for me, as I wanted small blocks, and have always been fond of new engines. Bought it “sight unseen” and I am driving down to check it out on Monday!!

Congrats! buying it from the factory with fresh engines is as good as it gets for confidence in a used boat! I saw your boat when I visited the factory a couple month's ago ... very sharp.

I'm sure it will be awesome rigged from Pepe & Jo!!

Congrats, IMO thats the perfect set up on a 28.

Yeah, in the caribbean we use a boat more like a car...surrounded by water. So a good handeling rough water boat is in demand. I'm hoping to get good MPG out of the 6.2 small blocks but I have no idea what to expect. Anybody out there with small blocks in a 28' that could give me an idea? I'm thinking close to 2 mpg...

I'm thinking you're pretty right.:cool-smiley-011:

Congrats, and take some pics when you get down there.

You're scaring me now with that little weed smokin smilely... does that mean I'm out in la la land on the MPG??

I never checked what kind of fuel milage my twin small block 28 got but I would think 2 mpg would not be out of line... Like anything else just depends on the right hand..:D Sounds like you are going to have a real nice ride !!

I rarely saw better than 1mpg with my single 525SC. Then again, I rarely saw anything under 5,000 rpms either! :D

Austin, that's a "cool" smiley... i agree w/ 2mpgs.

With my 560hp cruising at 4000rpm(50mph), i was at 2mpg.

I was pretty suprised with the fuel consumption on the 28, albeit not a pantera. It wasn't that much different then my 24 python with a single 502. All in all I probobly burned an extra 25 gallons on a normal weekend over the single engine boat. I only needed 2800-3500 rpm compared to the 4000-5000 rpm on the single.

It was a thirsty beoch!!!!!!!!!!!

My 32 AT with twin 502mpi's gets better mileage.

how are you guys checking the mpg?

I'm thinking about going with a Merc system view gage... gives you all that info. If you crusing long distances it would help to know the most effeient cruise. I guess you could also do it the old fashion way... fill the tank, ride a certain distance, then fill up again- for MPG.

I would like to have a fuel flow meter myself to have a better idea of the most efficiant crusing speed... But then again I need to actually have my boat running first....:grinser010:

some fuel flow meters cant keep up w/ big hp flow.
plus you may need to take dramamine while watching it.

Tom, austin hit it on the head... fill up, run a good ways at a consistent cruise, then fill again. Then use your 6th grade math.

Yeah thats great for the guys on here who can actually afford to fill up there tanks 2 times in one year....lol...

Wasn't sure how good the meters actually worked. They are kinda pricey anyways if I remember & that being the case it would be like the people who go out & spend several thousand dollars on an econamy car to save money in fuel...
Just thought one would be pretty cool to have if they actually worked.

i grew up on sport fishers, and flow meters rock when making those runs to the canyon.
And its also key in cruising, when 100rpm can really make a difference in your range. i bought one for my boat, never installed it though.

Well, it looks like it's going to be another week and a half or so before the boats ready. Jo's been great but there's been a few issues outside of our control that have delayed things a bit. I know Jo will be happy to get this boat "out the door" so I'll stop calling him!!

Austin,
Your boat just had a bath this PM. You know what people say about that first impression! See you Monday.
pp.

Hey Austin, I have a Livorsi fuel flow gauge on my 28. Great gauge, it has a analog sweep to catch a quick glance but the nice part is the digital that displays total gals burned, instant, or reset as a trip. I can squeek just over 2 mpgs at a quick cruise speed, but usally average out at about 1.75 mpg at the end of the weekend with plenty of full throttle runs.
Have fun with your 28

PP- Thanks, I can't wait!!

Talon25- What do you have in the boat for power. Those fuel numbers sound great and I would be very happy with that. I hear people complain about gas prices in the states... it's $5.65 in Abaco now.

Anyone know of any issues with the Merc 383, it's a reman but comes with the full 1 year warrenty. I have a choice between the 383 and the 6.2... opions welcome.

The 383 can be bored one less time. Other than that I think it is mostly the same but I have never had either one.

Hey Austin, I am running a 540 cubic inch 675 hp motor in my 28. We spent alot of extra time on the dyno playing with different carbs to find the best hp,tq,and fuel management. I boat with a buddy who has a 525 in his 28 and I go alot further on a tank than he does.

Talon...so you are running a single?

I think if you went with the new 6.2's and didn't get the merc smartsytem view gage you would be cutting yourself short. Lots of pluses there and great for resale. It should also have a digital drive indicator, which I find very useful on the sea ray. The automatic shut down is also a HUGE plus.

So you can't get the systemview or use smartcarft with the 383?? What's the auto shut down?? I know nothing about either engine so any info is helpful.

Congrats on the Pantera! I bet twin 383s would be sweet.
:cool-smiley-027:

Yes I have a 2007 that is a single and has been a great boat. I think you will like the twin small blocks but I would love to see you go for some Raylar aluminum small blocks, that would be a azz hander and might run past the century mark.
I here the 6.2's accelerate pretty well. Good luck and have fun!!!

2007 28 for sale best offer takes her.
845-494-4716

I would do a lot of research on the 383. Its a remanufactured engine. I've heard good and bad just about the remanufactured part of it. Not sure if the smartcraft works on with the 383 or not. I do know that the 383 cost less than the 6.2 and IMO there is a good reason for it; I just don't know it off the top of my head. I think the difference in HP is only 20hp??????, not sure what the torque numbers are.

They have smartcraft viewing system for most all the new merc engines. The merc smart system electronically monitors the operating system of the engine. It constantly checks compression, fuel delivery, overheating, fuel pressure, oil pressure, and a bunch of other stuff I can't remember. Hopefully someone will chime in an ALL its advantages. Basically if the engine starts to experience any sort of possibly damaging mechanical failure it will automatically shut the engine down, or shut the engine down to "safe mode" and let you idle below 1500rpm to get you back to the dock, which in theory should protect the engine from completely blowing. Do your research, merc explains it alot better than me. I've got the smartsytem on my sea ray with 6.2. Its kicked in on numerous occasions - caught an anchor rope in the bravo 3 prop (counter rotating) and it shut itself down - no damage. Blew a fuse to the fuel pump - shut itself down - replaced the fuse and no damage.

Austin, do you have to go w/ merc?
would you consider mild custom power?

I think I would want closed cooled if it was going to be in salt water all the time. Doug

From what i understand, closed cooling is more important where water temps can be cold.

Jo, Pepe, Linda...

Any progress pictures for me on the boat?? Need to pick it up soon.

Austin