Upgrade from 250 single 5.7 to 280 twin 4.3s?

NoahsArkNoahsArk Member Posts: 8
Hello,

We currently run a 1988 Fiesta Vee 250 5.7 on Lake Michigan. We travel when the weather is right. We have radar, charts, plotter, ect. 

I'm considering upgrading to 1994 Fiesta Vee 280 twin 4.3s. The reason is for redundancy in the event of a motor becoming disabled. My fear is becoming disabled and ending up on the rocks while waiting for sea tow.  The additional motor would eliminate that concern. The extra space and size would be nice but not necesarrily a factor in the decision. 

At this time we don't intend to run across the lake.

Our initial goal is to go north to Sturgeon Bay from Milwaukee, around the Door Peninsula and back to Milwaukee. 

Can anyone offer advice or thoughts on this senerio?

Thank you
David H - Milwaukee
1988 Rinker Fiesta Vee 250
1982 Ski Nautique 2001

Best Answers

Answers

  • NoahsArkNoahsArk Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2017
    Thanks for your input.

    I'll take the 280 for a spin when I get a chance. 

    aero3113
      I would also think it would be quite a bit more stable than the 250.

    Zaverin1 are you running 4.3s or V8s. I'm curious about the gph. 

    F1100 the 300 certainly look tempting.The size does however seem like a logical step from the 250. With the V8's at the 25 mph are your turning 3500 rpm? (at 3500 my 5.7 is 12 - 15gph.)
    David H - Milwaukee
    1988 Rinker Fiesta Vee 250
    1982 Ski Nautique 2001
  • Gr8earsGr8ears Member Posts: 11 ✭✭
    If the $ isn't a real consideration, the twin would be a better choice.  I also have a '88 FV250 with 5.7.  A good friend bought a twin 30' Bayliner.  When we run together on a local lake, the trip we take up lake and back, he uses 88 gallons of fuel, I use 24.  Big difference.  I am going to buy a 10 or 15 horse "kicker".  That will get me in if I get into a problem with main engine, and will work for fishing.
  • StodgeStodge Member Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭✭
    I had a 280 with twin 4.3.  She'd do 27-30 in good conditions.  Little slow to get on plane, but got close to 1.5 MPG.  

    2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX

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