Upgrade from 250 single 5.7 to 280 twin 4.3s?

NoahsArk

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

zaverin1

I have 280 twin
ask away 

aero3113

I would think the 280 with twins would be a better ride also, the extra weight spread across the stern will make it more stable.

F1100

my 300 with twin 5.7 can take some serious waves at a good clip. And can cruise on plane at about 25 mph

Cableguy Greg

There used to be a 280FV with 4.3's at my marina. I rode in it years ago and it ran great on the river. It had the Alpha 1 drives with 4 blade props.

zaverin1

4.3
1.1 prop around 24 to 26 mph abs 3400 rpm
the wider the beam
much stable the vessel becomes 

F1100

at max speed its about 4500rpm and 37mph, at 25mph its at about 3300rpm or so

yes the 300 is a nice size, not too big, but big enough to handle water, and be comfortable on.

even fully loaded the boat comes on plane pretty easy

F1100

at 24mph or below, it wants to come off plane

NoahsArk

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.)

Gr8ears

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.

Stodge

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.