Looking for a cruiser

[JoLin]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

I cringe when anyone says that the 5.0s are junk. This package will outrun all stock carbed 5.7s. Very capable powerplant with 260 propshaft hp. For planing a cruiser, I'd bet the 5.0 MPI plus B3 will outperform a 300 7.4 with a Bravo 1 or 2. Yeah I know, blasphemy

Unless by this time it's an entirely different engine(?)... the 5.0 was cobbled together specifically as a low emissions car engine in the early 1970's. If memory serves, it was a 283 block fitted with a 327 crankshaft. Being 'oversquare' (long stroke, small bore) it was a horrible design where performance is concerned, but that wasn't the point of it.

The MPI seems to be a whole 'nother beast. Was not aware it was cranking 260 horses. Impressive.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

Agreed. The GM 305 evokes memories for most people of an engine that was a complete dog in just about every application it was put into. The Merc MPI 5.0 is a completely different animal, but I'd still rather have the 350 over the 305 all else being equal. In a boat, I'd rather have about the most cu in out of a single block design. 351 over a 302, 350 vs 305, 460 over 429, etc.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

...

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

This is the reason i like the Sundancer layout (95-98) - The aft facing seat behind the helm and the table create a dinette if you will that allows face to face seating, rear for cards or just conversing. Not the greatest pic but you get the idea. Also has a port side lounger. I looked at quite a few boats and some had really bad designs in the cockpit, I don't know who is designing them but some are terrible. Sorry for the crappy pic.

LK

 

[Polar_Light]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

That is lovely pic Allwhite00, how roomy cabin that Sundancer has? Crownline doesn't have such good relaxing area.
I read a review on a Survey, someone said the cockpit is so big that there are no place left for the cabin. Another problem they found with an engine which has very narrow driving range from 2500 to 3000rpm, seems a little underpowered to me.
How about fuel consumption? EFI engines should be more economical compare to their carb versions, is that correct?

 

[Polar_Light]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

If you like the big cabin then it's a good choice. It was the only one we looked at that a tall person could easily stand up in the entire galley and head.

The issue of the tow vehicle isn't really about traction but about control, braking and power. The Crownlines are heavy, especially with 80Gal of fuel and 40gal of water and all your gear aboard. You may find yourself seriously under-braked on a steep decline, and going up taxes the lighter duty driveline - especially the transmission. You could take steps like a weight distributing hitch, better trailer brakes, better truck brakes and a transmission cooler that would all help. I never towed with anything other than my big truck so I don't have direct experience. The previous owner used an F150 in flat Ohio without issues but didn't trailer far at all. If you're looking at Fords, beware the 6.0L diesel. Ford-trucks.com has a good board with lots of info. If I had to make that decision over again I would get the V10 gas engine since I don't put enough miles on for the mileage difference to matter and the diesel is much more expensive to maintain and is a bear to cold start.

Also, 4x4 is crucial. I can't get the boat up the ramp I use without the truck being in 4x4, even with a limited slip rear end.

That is a good point, actually I never thought that V10 gas engine could perform better then diesel when towing. I have heard a lot of troubles with diesel trucks here, like you I am not driving a lot. Usually not more then 10k per a year, so higher price for the diesel truck won't pay off. Just checked a price for a new diesel Sierra 2500HD, roughly about 70k, I don't need that truck :cold:. Buying second-hand diesel truck, always a lottery. People don't get rid off them usually, unless something wrong with them.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

Here is a better one of the layout, Table not installed but you can see where it goes.

Here is the cabin from the door.

- The aft cabin is really a nice size - Full beam and plenty wide enough for two people. The head is on the starboard side, Quite a bit of storage and well laid out. It's not huge but we have the full camper canvas and spend most of our time up top around the table. - I am sure it is not for everyone but I think Sea Ray did a fantastic job designing all of this in a 25' boat.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

That is a good point, actually I never thought that V10 gas engine could perform better then diesel when towing. I have heard a lot of troubles with diesel trucks here, like you I am not driving a lot. Usually not more then 10k per a year, so higher price for the diesel truck won't pay off. Just checked a price for a new diesel Sierra 2500HD, roughly about 70k, I don't need that truck :cold:. Buying second-hand diesel truck, always a lottery. People don't get rid off them usually, unless something wrong with them.

I just bought a 2013 Silverado 2500hd gasser for about half that price. Stick to the tow package, stay away from the 6-way power mud flaps and heated ashtray and these trucks can be bought right. Towing capacity is 13k (vs 17k on the diesel) which is plenty for the size boat you're looking at.

 

[Polar_Light]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

Here is a better one of the layout, Table not installed but you can see where it goes.

Here is the cabin from the door.

- The aft cabin is really a nice size - Full beam and plenty wide enough for two people. The head is on the starboard side, Quite a bit of storage and well laid out. It's not huge but we have the full camper canvas and spend most of our time up top around the table. - I am sure it is not for everyone but I think Sea Ray did a fantastic job designing all of this in a 25' boat.

That is a nice picture. Thanks. I see both Crowline and Sea Ray have very similar cabins, but cockpits are different. Sea Ray has a better one for sure. So, I will check both boats and chose the one. But I guess the right price for right boat will work the best for me ....

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

Good luck with whatever boat you end up with, Both are great boats. Just wanted to explain the reasons we went with our setup.


LK

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

How much you got yours for?

On my, 250 with a 5.7 efi/bravo 3 i have had it to 40 (gps) so it's not too bad for a small block.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

How much you got yours for?

More than 16K

LK

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

. I didn't see this post when I asked you again on my thread. You can tell me exactly how much over there then. Hehehe.

I wanna know to ... start save up. ��

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

. I didn't see this post when I asked you again on my thread. You can tell me exactly how much over there then. Hehehe.

I wanna know to ... start save up. ��

Done.

LK

 

[agallant80]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

Have you looked at what these boats look like out of the water on a trailer. I am looking at a 25 foot cruiser on a trailer and they are huge! I was thinking of a 27-29 on a trailer until I stood next to one. Also the weight adds up fast. For example

2012 Stingray 250CS 5,000LBS
Dual axel trailer 1,400Lbs
84 gal Fuel at 6Lbs gal 500lbs

So for just the boat trailer and fuel you are looking I am looking at nearly 7K lbs, I know a bayliner and a searay of equal size is about 2K lbs more so if you go with one of those on just a 25-26 foot boat you are looking at hitting your 9K limit before you add gear. It adds up fast. For pulling 9K worth of boat, trailer and gear you really need to go 2500 series truck.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Looking for a cruiser

Have you looked at what these boats look like out of the water on a trailer. I am looking at a 25 foot cruiser on a trailer and they are huge! I was thinking of a 27-29 on a trailer until I stood next to one. Also the weight adds up fast. For example

2012 Stingray 250CS 5,000LBS
Dual axel trailer 1,400Lbs
84 gal Fuel at 6Lbs gal 500lbs

So for just the boat trailer and fuel you are looking I am looking at nearly 7K lbs, I know a bayliner and a searay of equal size is about 2K lbs more so if you go with one of those on just a 25-26 foot boat you are looking at hitting your 9K limit before you add gear. It adds up fast. For pulling 9K worth of boat, trailer and gear you really need to go 2500 series truck.

Boats 'look' big out of the water and on trailers/stands, etc. . . . But you have to realize that they 'shrink' when you put them in the water. So, that is why many folks say to go a bit bigger than what you were originally thinking. . . as long as it can fit withing the tow vehicle specs.