few outboard questions, promax, 260 or 280??

[syclone01]

I'm not new to boating, but pretty new to the merc high performance outboard world. Wish i could find some info on all the popular merc outboards that you guys are using and always talking about. If you were going with lets say one of the newer efi outboards.......and money really wasn't an issue.....what would you get and why? What are the good and bad of each specific one? I know this is pretty broad. I'm looking at something in the 250hp + range, I would also like to keep the weight down as much as possible. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the 260 and the 280? If you just went ahead and got a 280, what are the problems that these motors tend to have, and any particular thing to avoid. I know the 280 has better alternator than the 260. I know they don't make them anymore, but i've located some that are either new leftovers or very low hour used ones. So I'm kinda looking at the 280 as my choice. Any suggestions?

[slowverado]

what is the boat?

[captcarb]

The 260 and the 280 are high rpm engines and need overhaul (at least rings) fairly often. They were designed for light boats and racing. They have coated aluminum sleeves which make them more expensive to overhaul. They require premium fuel.

Sleeve replacement on the 260 and 280 is very expensive compared to a steel sleeve motor, (like a 225 promax). The water pump impeller needs replacing often also because of the high rpm. They do have a performance character about them that is very appealing.

I have a friend with a Bullet bass boat that has a 250XS (270 HP) and he loves it. The newer ones will run on 87 octane.

jim

[syclone01]

boat not quite decided yet..doing my research. more than likely a stv euroski.......type boat.

[syclone01]

so what is the best year/model of steel sleeve block, most hp and least weight??

[johnt]

buy the 280, don't worry about the down side because you will have such a smile on your face...all motors have a down side..

[Hot Shot Merc]

The 280 hands down.I have a 225 promax thats steel but still makes great power up to 8,000 r's.

[syclone01]

let's say you have a 280 that you've taken good care of.....don't beat it ALL the time, if that' possible...what is the avg hours you get out of it before a re-ring, recoat of cyl takes place? and what is the avg price to get that done, considering i'll take the powerhead off myself etc. also, can the 280 be resleeved with iron/steel sleeves....? just curious as i know some of my 2stroke dirt bikes i've had that done in the past, got rid of the nicasil....I couldn't tell the diff.

[bulletbob]

I am new to this also. My boat came with 260s' which I had ruck port to 280 specs. The manual says approx. every 100 hrs for re-ring. The coating should be good for a couple of re-rings if you don't abuse it tooo much. The coating was approx. 800.00 the porting was about twice that. The motors are light, around 375# each. The promax, 300 for ex. is 525#. I cruise at 5000 rpm around 55-60 mph with tremendous hole shot and midrange. The previous owner said 92 at 7400 which isn't pushing these motors hard in my opinion. Go 280 I would. Good luck!

[tj309]

I think we got the ides Bullet!

[Techno]

Whatever your choice ends up being... get all the hp you can!!!
Especially for an STV. Theres no such thing as having too much with one. And its cheaper and easier not modifying an engine than it is to get a couple ponies later.

bulletbob your finger stuck or something:p You can open up any of your posts and delete it.

[bulletbob]

Help. Jane stop this crazy thing!!!!

[bulletbob]

Thanks I'm trying to delete Each post. Is there a quicker way?