Hi All,

looking for opinions on a 2000 sunsation 288, 454 mag mpi w/ approx 400h. Is this engine adequate power for his boat? also, would $35000 (canadian) be too much to pay (or fair)? how does it handle rough water as I will be running it in the atlantic ocean (east coast)?

Thanks in advance!

*I was referring to 400 hours when I mentioned "400h" above

I don't think I would by a single engine boat to run in the ocean!

It will hammer $hit out of you in the ocean.

What would you guys recommend? I would like a single engine boat in the 25-28 foot range as they typically weight less and will be easier for trailering. I have looked at a donzi 26zx with 500 EFI as well.....

288 is a nice boat. It has a pad so it will be a little rougher than a non pad but it will be faster because of it. Also keep in mind the 288 is the same boat as the bigger 32 from the dash to the transom. You will have to pick your offshore days but it isn't a bad choice to start with.

Thanks! I will be using it in coastal bays as well as in open water, so like you said I will just have to pick my offshore days. Is the 454 mag mpi a good set up for this boat/entry into performance boats?

Yes good motor to start with but it is still almost 16 years old so at some point it is going to cost you

asking your option,is there a big difference in the ride in rough water (ie: lake Erie)in non pad compared to pad. assume that baja's 27' do not have a pad.i also have been looking for a 288,but have not taken a ride in one yet

Not sure what year 288 JRider had....sounds like he has some good experience running a 288 on the East Coast. I ran my 99' 288 on the South End of Lake Michigan for 3 years and it did pretty well in decently rough / snotty water for it's size....then again it is just a Lake right? There are some other options to consider like the 25' or 28' AT, 28' Pantera etc. etc....