If all goes as expected I will finalize a deal on a 2000 280 silencer this Wednesday. The survey and Sea trial have come back as very good, and all that's necessary for me to do is make the transaction (the boat is out of state). The will be a new style of boating for me, and I'm sure I'll have a zillion questions. I've always had a flybridge cruiser (which I'm keeping), so this is all new to me.

The boat is powered by 502 with a procharger and the related goodies (XR drive, Hydro steering etc). On the sea trial it was clocked by a handheld at 68.

Believe it or not I haven't seen the boat .....only pictures (confirmed by the surveyor and company I've contracted to haul it), but it's supposed to be super sweet. Showroom classic condition.

Oh well, I'll know first hand in a few days in if all goes right, I'm a PQ owner. My first question:

Is Powerquest still in business? Thanks

Nope out of business, but regardless still a great boat, I am sure you will enjoy it, very well built boats.

Good luck but.....how does it have a 502 with a pro-charger and only run 68mph?

I thought the same thing but did not comment on that, my old 270 with 502 mag NA ran 62 ish stock and the guy i sold it to bolted on a small whipple and ran 75 ish.

I bought my Powerquest 257 over the internet too (sight unseen just like you). Had it surveyed and picked it up 6 months later....
Ive owned my boat now for 2.5 years and couldnt be any happier--they really do build an outstanding boat! Wait till you get it and start to look in areas that are normally not seen (behind gunwalls, under seats, behind the dash etc) and it will impress you with the amount of work they put into these boats so they would last--very little plastic on board too. My boat doesnt have any stress cracks or signs whatsoever that it is a 15 year old boat.
Im 1000% sold on them and Im sure you will be too. Congrats.

PS--I agree with everyone else on your top speed--are you sure it has a procharger? Something doesnt seem right with 68 mph and ballpark 600 hp

just remember that boat has a stepped hull so start slow , get some practice and feel for how the hull works, then let er' loose.

68 seems reasonable if not high for a stock 502. Procharger should get you near 80

A good friend of mine had the same boat with a pro charged 454 efi mag, and it ran in the low 80's. I'd make sure you have a leak down test done on the motor to make sure everythings ok. That boat will run 68 mph stock, with a 502, easy.

80 Wow!!! The surveyor took it out for a sea trial and phoned me and said he "ran it up" to 68 on his hand held and kept it there for about 15 seconds. So, based on what I'm reading that must not have been WOT. I'll definitely have to take my time and creep up to speeds like that. He also said he did a hard turn at 45 and the boat handled well. Being a novice at this, I've read alot about "chinewalk" and am obviously a little concerned. Is this a major issue with PQ's? Any tips on handling and what I should do (and expect) to get used to it? Thanks in advance for all of your comments and advice.

I boat on Lake St. Clair, so if any of you are in that area I look forward to meeting you. Any PQ rally's or anything like that scheduled? Thanks again.

I have 50 some pictures. If anyone is interested and has the time to take a look at a few, I can send some of the engine and drive. As I said, this is all new to me, so it would be helpful if someone could explain what some of this stuff is! LOL.

I phoned pro-charger and gave them the serial number of the charger. They gave me the purchase date and service history (was never in for any service), and explained a little about it to me. My local mechanic pointed out some of the other upgrades, but I'm still not really clear on all that I have. I'm sure the survey will define it a little more clear.

I actually stumbled into this. I was just looking for a stock PQ 280 in good shape. This one is in excellent shape and has all of the add on's that I didn't plan on.

Like its been mentioned just take your time, in varying water conditions and at different speeds, and get used to it. Tab position may also come into play at higher speeds. Throttle down, and lower the drive slightly when approching tight turns. I had a 270 with twins in it, and it was a very forgiving boat. Good Luck!