2.5 260 on bass boat

[moldman]

I am looking for more power for my 20' Cobra bass boat and was wondering if a stock 260 with Simons after market alternator kit would be feasible for a 1400 lb bass boat. I am currently running a 2.5 200 with cut heads(big improvement) and would like more than the 225 Pro Max. Don't want to go 3.0. Any opinions or ideas would be appreciated. Jim:smiletest:

[Jay Smith]

The 260 is a good engine IF you do go to the Simon big cap. charging system. Be sure you relize you will have to buy a 260 with an alien cowling... And the 260 needs the upgrade of top pin pistons if the one your buying hasn't already done so..

Good luck,
Jay

[Ted Stryker]

225 Pro Max with heads, Brucato injection and computer has an awesome reputation for Basser's and performance boats alike... If I had to stay with a 2.5 liter engine on a full bass boat it's what I would do... I have a boat that goes down the lake at less than 1400 lbs. and it very well may be My next engine... Very versatile set-up...

[Bartman39]

Just remember though a 260 requires alot more maintence and the cost in rebuild which is alot more often that a steel bore fishing motor... I would let Jay work his magic on a 225 or your 200 you have now...?

How fast are you running now...? How fast do you want to go...? The 2 main questions to equal the cost... :thumbsup:

[Jay Smith]

I build allot of Pro Max and 200 EFI on bass boats and folks like the end results .. They are also steel sleeved/cast top pinned pistons with the up graded con rod bearings and have a MUCH longer run life before re ringing and maintence than the 260's do .. A modified 225 Pro Max with an up graded ACU fuel box is a VERY strong motor... I built 5 of them last month haven't heard nothing but praises back , but some folks are still in hard water conditions and the other customer is in Europe.

Jay

[moldman]

Started at 62 mph gps. Added 12" jackplate and went to 63 mph. Cut heads to 36cc which added great holeshot, midrange punch and 200 rpm on top with 24 raker and got 65 gps. Got a 24 Fury and it ran 67 mph. Seemed like it needed a little more trim so I machined 5 deg trim wedges for it and it ran 68 gps. I think I have just about maximized my setup with the 200. I would rather be spending my money on something that already has more horsepower. Jim:smiletest:

[moldman]

Jay what is your opinion of a steel sleeved 260. Would this make a reliable engine for a bass boat? Thx, Jim:smiletest:

[Sam Baker]

Boy, for a 1400 lb. Cobra bass boat, I would say a KILLER package would be to find a 3.0 liter Mercury EFI that needs some work. Put an SVS on it and have some basic internal work done during repair.

If you want some KILLER power, there's a lot that can be done to that motor to make it a 300+ HP reliable powerhouse and you get the additional torque of the 3.0 liter. Not to mention the "stealthy" look of the 3.0 liter....it would be a real sleeper.

The 260 can be a loud motor and everybody knows you're coming. There are a lot of 3.0 liters out there needing a piston, etc.

[Ted Stryker]

Jay what is your opinion of a steel sleeved 260. Would this make a reliable engine for a bass boat? Thx, Jim:smiletest:

Don't go there, reserved for the serious performance Guy IMO.. I know Your question was intended for Jay, but I couldn't help Myself due to past experiences...

[Jay Smith]

I agree with Kevin , most Frankenstein motors don't normally live long !

Jay

[K-Dawg]

If you are a serious Bass Fisherman you may want to stay away from those nic motors. They need to be re-ringed every 100 hrs. Most bass guys can out 100 hrs on one in a season.

[T-REX]

most Frankenstein motors don't live long !


Bahhhh Humbug!!!!!!!......

A steel sleeve mota cut to 260 port hieghts and piston specs, 145# heds, .050" off tha front, 1" spacer, 5peddle front, fill oiler hole, rod slots to promax/260, XRI(better than horn on a lead sled) with ACU/PCU, or well tuned carbs, AND 2:1 geers, will step up any Bass bote, no matter how heavy it iz!!!...And that steel sleeve mota will be ther when a nickle mota iz a Rucks gitt'in sum new nickle!!!.........This combo haz NEVER failed to put a smile on bass boterz face!!!....

[nealxb2003]

I think for a boat that size, a 3.0L is your best bet. That big block torque will come in handy when you add in a bubba-sized partner and a full livewell.

[Jay Smith]

Guess we'd agree to disagree Paw Paw... But why would that suprise anyone !!! LOL...

Love,
Jay

[t.martin]

This is exactly what I am trying to do. I have a 2.5 cut to 260 with steel bores, top pinned and balanced pistons and rods blah blah blah. My boat is a little lighter (21vee bullet). Last year I had a 2.4 200 with some mods and it pushed me in the mid to high 70's. Apparently that wasn't fast enough because I had to buy this frankenstein:D. I will let you know what happens if the ice ever melts.

[Sam Baker]

Steel bores will work fine as long as you run it right - i.e. warming up, etc. If you put forged pistons in it (Wizards with chrome rings are great), take it easy until you build heat and the pistons can get to the right size and temp. Guys that have problems typically start the motor and stand on the throttle for miles across the lake. The guy building the motor also needs to make sure the bore size, ring gap, etc. is proper for a forged piston in a steel sleeve.

You have to warm it up and build some heat.

[moldman]

I appreciate the input from all who responded to my post and the differences in opinion was very interesting. Wouldn't this be a dull world if everyone thought alike. Thx guys, Jim:smiletest: