Re: 5.0 to 5.7 swap. what parts are interchangeable
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i have an 04 f150 with a 5.4 v8 in it that im going to tow it with. i dont think i will have anybroblem buy im sure i will only get around 12mpg with it, if im lucky, i did end up buying the boat, but i have to wait 3 weeks to get it because its in storage and they cant get it out yet. how many people can you get on your boat? thats my biggest concern, i plan on having 5-7 people on it, but i am going to put trim tabs on it to help it out.
PS ur not hijackin my thread, ive been wanting to talk to somebody that has an eclipse 216
Overall, I really like my 216 Eclipse. It's my first boat, and since it's so tough, it's taken well to the abuse that a first boat gets. I've accidentally grounded it a couple times on sandbars, and didn't even scratch it. The deep V hull allows it to easily cut through the rough seas in the Atlantic. When I was a total newb, I took it out on the Atlantic in 9 foot seas, and I managed to live to tell about it. I haven't done that since then though.
The bow sits high. When I'm coming up onto a plane, I can't really see out in front of the boat. I usually stand up when I drive it. I think your trim tabs will help with that issue though. I don't have trim tabs.
I comfortably carry 4-5 people, all their associated stuff for a day trip, and coolers. With 6 adults on board, leg room gets a little tight when everyone is sitting down. If you want to carry 7, someone is gonna have to sit on the bow or in the cabin.
I took it on a weekend camping trip and it was a good little camper for two people.
Jumpjet - I have the same boat as Snowman with a 5.0 Alpha One. Looks identical. It weighs 3,200lbs dry according to Wellcraft. I tow it with a 1999 Tahoe V8 and the SUV pulls it easily. The boat runs 47mph@4,700rpm. Mercury informed me that it's rpm range is 4,200 to 4,600rpm (I thought it was to 4,800rpm).
I think my boat is overpropped. It struggles a little with 6 people on board. My 19 pitch aluminum 4 blade prop might need to be replaced with a 17 or 18 pitch steel 4 blade. I get 43mph at 3900-4000rpm. With less prop, I ought to get higher RPM and a little more MPH.
Thanks for the weights. My explorer is rated at 5500lbs for towing. It sounds like my boat, gear, and trailer are just under that. I'm still going to weigh it though when I get home from Afghanistan.
