280 496 engine or two 4.3 or 5.0...?

pstew96

pstew96

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I want to move up to a bigger boat, fuel costs being what they are, is it better to get one big motor (496) or two small (4.3) ones or two 5.0? I know the docking and security of the twins have value, but I do have boatus towing and I really cruise alot and gas is expencive!
 
Ya know, I wasn't even going to respond mainly because there are so many variables. Best bet is to compare real life numbers from actual owners.

On the variables encountered would be the load put on the engines at a given speed and what throttle opening it takes to maintain that speed. That would also include gear ratios and prop sizes and drive systems (inboard vs I/O), not to mention hull types.

Are you talking about hull speeds or what?
 
I've been on that boat with twin 4.3's and they're not enough power for that boat. I own a 270 Sundancer with twin 4.3's and they're ok for my boat but not for the 280. We boat in the same waters so I'll say that if you only cruise local you can gat away with a single but you don't see many 280's setup that way. The 5.0 is a good engine and will work with either Alpha or Bravo drives.
All that said what boat you will enjoy the most, I'd say the 5.0 with Bravo III's. It will also be the most maintenance and most expensive to repair when things break.
Rob
 
If you want to move to a bigger boat and you cruise alot I would not buy a boat with outdrive. The expense of the outdrive will out do your fuel cost. I would stick with inboards will give a better ride.
 
Thanks guys, I would really like to get a 28' with one big motor, I don't want the maintenance nightmare and I want the outdrive so I can get shallow. Maybe I should just get a newer version of what I already have, the 24'..
 
I second the thought that the only way to go in that boat is twin 5.0's. Twins for the manueverability factor, and 5.0's because the 4.3's are not enough power on a boat of that weight. And both for resale purposes. You might not get more but you'll have an easier time selling.
 
I prefer the largest single I can stuff in the compartment. Maintenance costs are lower. Fuel consumption is lower. Room in the ER is greater. Ping Harlen. IIRC he or his cruising buddy had a 27 with a large single and had no problems. I know Harlen had enough room in his to add a real nice gennie and still had room to spare in the ER. I don't know if you could do that with twins. Manufacturers rarely think about the poor SOB that has to get into the ER to actually do stuff when they design a boat.
 
" Manufacturers rarely think about the poor SOB that has to get into the ER to actually do stuff when they design a boat."

Aint that the truth!!
 
You'll hate a 28 sundancer with a single big block. I like you was looking for a large single due to maintenance and space concerns. I test drove two 280 Sun Sports, one with a MAG 454 B3 and one with twin 5.7 EFI B1s. Absolutely no comparison. The maintenance issue is no big deal if you are fastidious with your upkeep and the ease around the dock, better ride, time to plane. Really makes a big difference in the enjoyment factor. Try it for yourself and you'll change your mind like I did.
 
If I had to do it over again I would dosingle a diesel conversion and a single shaft if I had that choice.
Bill
 
I'd go with the twin 5.0's. Had them in my 30 maxum with BII's and I'd do it again for this size express..
Ran a 280 with the 4.3's and they worked too hard..
 
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