I currently have a Baja hammer and i am looking to move up. I have been looking at a couple of boats and the one i am seriously considering is a 280 silencer. ok now i know that your opinions are a little biased, but i was wondering, what do you guys think of this boat, what speed would i be getting with a 454 mag, how does it handle big water ect.... the thing is that i live in vermont so in order to get the one i am looking at i am going to have to drive, so i want to see if i am on the right track or should i look elsewere, if that akes any sense
thanks
jason

Hi,
The Powerquest is a good choice. I would go for the 502 in the 280 though. I have a 454 mag. carb in my 260 and I could use more power. I would think with a 454 mag you would see at least 60. I get 63 out of mine, so you would be about the same, because the 280 has a step.

On my 280 (recently sold, alas ), I saw a consistent 65 mph with the 502. Nearly every 280 owner has reported similar results, mid-60's with the 502.

Personally, I wouldn't go with less than the 502, if only for resale value. Of course, if you're buying new, you'd have to go with a 496 Mag (I think?) I would have loved the 500HP, but Merc absolutely rapes you on price for that extra 50 or so hp.

The 280 was a great, solid boat. Miss her already...

As always, YMMV.