I love hearing about Pontiac spankings. Will they ever learn? Did you show up with a bale of hay in the back just to make it worse?

Well, here's a pic of what looks like my next mod. I call it fate. Everything I've done to the Expy so far has been in preperation to tow this thing and I didn't even know it. Depending on which one of 2 I settle on (one with the 5.7EFI the other has the 7.4EFI) it's about 6300# or 6500# with fuel (that's guessing 1000# for the trailer). I COULD go pick up an "L" and spend less money (believe it or not quite a bit) but the "L" doesn't have a bathroom and I think my wife would insist I make the "L" float but I'm pretty sure that would void the SVT warranty. On the upside, whipple makes a blower for Mercruisers.

It's a cool boat. It's hard to call it a deck boat. It's part of a new move to hybrid all around versitile boats and I think Sea Ray has kicked everyones butt with this one. Here's a video review by BoatTest.com. I like it because it shows a great shot of it running.

 

Nice boat. Get the big block. Fuel consumption not to bad unless your at WFO You'll need the extra power with all the new friends that will want to go boating with you. I've got a 24' Baja
with 454.

Mike

 

Hate to turn this into a boating thread but what the heck, I already did.

You hit the one concern I have on the head. The 454 with BIII is about 200lbs heavier than the 5.7 same outdrive but only about 50 HP more. Looking at the peak RPM (4200-4600) I would think it's got a lot more torque and make much more power at the lower end. I just wonder how much of that extra power is being used to move the extra weight.

2nd choice is ordering a CL 230BR and I think I'd go with the Volvo DP in the 5.7 GXi which is 315-320 HP without the extra weight. Even the new Merc 6.2 weights less.

And I have heard that the 454 is a gas hog, but I think you've hit it and no, I won't be running WOT a lot. We'll see next week!

One thing I do like about the Merc is that there is a lot of aftermarket for them and zilch for Volvo. AND, the Bravo III is the Volvo DP without the shear pin; nice smooth shifting dual prop and a royalty to Volvo to say "thank you".

 

It looks (from Sig.) like being able to mod is important to you. It's only money. Thats what I tell myself when I put 25gal. in the expy and 70gal. in the boat. Now if I could just get twin Lightning engines to mate with the bravo outdrives Wouldn't that sound good.

Mike

 

Don't rule out the 210 Sundeck. Yes I know it is smaller but with the optional 350 it is fairly fast due to better power to weight, plus you can tow a skier or whatever if you want easier. The 210 also has the enclosed head to keep the females happy.

 

Family- dude, you always have to stay one up on me hu?!!! Man, thats a nice boat and would really look good behind your Expy!! You'll have friends you didnt know you had! Hey, I live on the lake so your welcome to come visit ANYTIME!! Just bring that boat!
Guess you could always get ya some Lightning emblems and place one on each side of the bow!! That will add atleast 50 more HP for ya!
Keep in touch with me and let me know if ya get it. I wont let my wife see this thread cause then Id be out lookin' for one of those. She's been on me for a nice boat like that or an inground pool here at the house.
I really do live on the lake though. Sold both my jet ski's to get the Lightning!

 

Shank,

Is that Lake O the Pines? There's another out there I think but I can't think of what it's called. Maybe Cypress something or something Cypress?

MHMCGILL

Ya, I demo'd the 210 with the 5.0 EFI and was impressed. I think with the 5.7 and especially the the Bravo III, it would be awesome. The room is very good but I want to be able to feel 100% comfortable on larger lakes too. I think the 210 would suit my needs fine, but I want the extras the 240 has. My #2 option is a Crownline 230BR. A lot of the features of the decks in the hot looking Crownline for about the same money as a 2001 210. And it's bow rider with a head too! Buying a boat is tough! To make it worse, I looked at Cobalt this weekend. I think the $20k additional list for a comparable boat was enough to keep me away, but it is a nice boat!

 

Family
Crownline makes a great boat. They are made here in So. Illinois.
They also have a good website with an owners forum with lots of good info: http://www.crownline.com/crownline20...rfrm_boats.htm

Mike

 

Family- No, Im on lake Tyler. Lake of the pines is closer to longview.....way past me!

 

Mike,

Oh ya, I've been hanging out at the Crownline Cult forum more than here lately. The Crownies are very unique; a very close bunch and I've learned a lot about them.

Choice number 2 is the Crownline 230BR. However, I've found a preowned 2000 Sea Ray 240 SD that is supposed to be like brand new and in top shape. It's priced at about where a new CL would be, but it's also more boat. I was quoted $49k for a new 240 today. We'll see. I'm taking each one out this week.

 

Well I'm closer than ever to getting that new "mod" from the post above. I was off on the wieght of that beast by a little though. It's going to run about 7000 lbs on the trailer with a full tank of fuel. Man, I hope my Expy can pull that out of the water without getting a hernia! It's big and heavy! It also cruises across open mildly rough water really nicely at about 50MPH with rear bimini top opened up and front up but not open. Not bad for that much drag!!!

 

Finally completed the "next" mod! The Expy has been neglected a bit in that it hasn't had a bath in a month, but I thik she likes her new friend....



The Expy was parked and the rear end lowered. When the LLS pumps up, it actually lifts it by about 3", and handles the boat great.

 

CONGRATULATIONS, 'RIDE!
What a great boat! Living on the Chesapeake Bay, I get to see a lot of water craft. You made a great choice!

I hope you have tons of fun with it. You just need to find out now which toy drains the back account quicker!

Again, all the best with the new boat.

 

Well so far, I pulled in to a marina Monday to get a "little" extra gas since I forgot to stop on the way. Of course it was $2.15 a gallon for 87 octane but $30 gave me an extra 1/4 tank. This 454 can suck down the fuel!!

I'm taking it in for a complete service and I'm sure it'll be better. The air intake (flame arrestor) was/is very dirty. I brushed off some surface "junk" but when I throttle her up, it almost sounds like she's gasping for a little air. Of course if she does run better after, WOW. Right now she planes off and reaches the 40's in just seconds.

Of course I need to make time for the Expy so she doesn't feel neglected....