240 Sundeck Thread - Questions and Answers

[ChrisMarx]

First prop I tried from a recommendation, Apollo 3 15.5 x 17P stainless steel. 45mph, but hit about 4900 RPM really quick. Hole shot was great, but prop caused vibrations I didn't like.

Next prop: Apollo 3 14 x 19P. This one is close to the Merc Vengence but has more cupping which makes it load up more. I hit 45mph at 4500rpm. Water was rough. I suspect I could hit 48mph on glass and a light load. This one I'm keeping as a prop to use for longer cruises on Lake Cumberland.

Third prop to try just arrived. Solas Rubex HR4 14.25 x 17P. I'm looking for a ski prop. I suspect this one to perform like the 15.5 x 17P but smooth. I'll test this one in a couple days doing a knee board. It should be close. Cupping and rake isn't as much as the Apollo 3 14 x 19P. The four blades should provide more thrust and about 8% slip vs 10-12% slip with the 3 blade. 4 Blade props typically give more stern lift for slower planning. I'm looking for about 15mph with a nice swell for the board.

I'm looking into this also. Mine is a 99 with 5.0 EFI Alpha One. The Merc prop selector wasn't much help. Turning Point has a more detailed selector, plus with an option to have them review it. You can also exchange props for $35.00. I waiting to see what they say. The selector said a 14.5 x 15, but this seems small to me since I have a vengeance 14 x 19. I can hit 45mph GPS with only two in the boat and smooth water. Most of the time it's 43mph.

 

[ChrisMarx]

Congrats! I've only had my 99 for one year. I get a lot of compliments. These boats have so much room and very well made. Smooth and quiet. Perfect for my family. These boats are rated for inland ocean shores. Like others have said, 2ft swells are ok, but anything more than that and it's a rough ride. Still way better than most bow riders.

Hi there, I just purchased a 2004 240 SD, my first ever boat! Have been reading many of your posts about these boats which inspired me to go for it. So thank you! I am really excited but also slightly nervous about owning a boat and all that comes with it. Currently she’s in Lake George but I’ll be shipping her to Brooklyn in 2 weeks....Unless anyone thinks that it’s viable with little experience to have her put in at say Troy and sail her down from there? Hopefully get to know some of you in the coming months...

 

[HarrisonCSolo]

Congratulations... you just bought the best bow rider on the planet... you are spoiled out of the gate ....have fun
Don’t have any idea about your area but that boat is okay in 2’ chop...not much above... Have fun with the new toy

Thank you! I’ll let you know how it is beyond the safety of Jamaica Bay!

 

[HarrisonCSolo]

Congrats! I've only had my 99 for one year. I get a lot of compliments. These boats have so much room and very well made. Smooth and quiet. Perfect for my family. These boats are rated for inland ocean shores. Like others have said, 2ft swells are ok, but anything more than that and it's a rough ride. Still way better than most bow riders.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[emunns]

2007 240 Sundeck - LED bulb swap

Hey All, I just wanted to share my LED light bulb upgrade. brighter lights, less power consumption and a newer, cleaner look IMO.

All bulbs were purchased from superbrightLEDs.com (I've used their bulbs in cars, trucks & other boats for years)

Bow Nav lights:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...-light-bulb-12-smd-led-tower-ba15s-base/3698/

Cabin floor lights:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...over-12-smd-led-ba15d-retrofit-car/1978/4557/

Head & stereo storage area:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...wer-ba15s-retrofit-base-420-lumens/2623/9035/

 

[emunns]

I also added LED strip lights in the rear under seat storage, under the sink and in the ski locker. They are all wired to the “cabin lights” switch on the dash. The strip lights under the sink and seat storage extend in to the side pockets illuminating that area also. We love this set up.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The strip lighting looks very nice, emunns!

Just something to consider about the nav light LED... while it may appear brighter when you're close by, the fixture is not designed for the wavelength that LED's emit. This means that other boaters will not be able to see you as well as they should - and there are specific Cost Guard rules about this. Your best bet is to keep the original style bulb in there or change the entire fixture to an LED style. FYI, power consumption on the bow nav lights isn't necessarily something to worry about since the engine is always running.

 

[JDinTN]

I also added LED strip lights in the rear under seat storage, under the sink and in the ski locker. They are all wired to the “cabin lights” switch on the dash. The strip lights under the sink and seat storage extend in to the side pockets illuminating that area also. We love this set up.

The strips in the holds is a great idea, very functional and looks cool! We just added RGB LEDs in multiple locations, but didn't do the holds ... uh oh, another project ...

Lazy Daze is right about the nav lights, the LEDs likely require a specific fixture to meet USCG guidelines. We installed Attwood 3550R7/G7 fixtures, they run much cooler than the originals plus we get to make jokes about the "glowing nipples" on top

 

[Ricky Schultz]

Hey guys, future 240 owner here. I'm looking at a 2001 240SD in which the engine was replaced with a 383 stroker motor in 2013. Last week the leaking lower unit was replaced with a rebuilt Bravo 3. All work was done at Marine Max. Asking price for the boat is $18000.

Any concerns with this combination of boat/motor/outdrive? Most of the early model 240's that I have found have had either the 5.7 EFI, or 5.0 MPI. What kind of increase in horsepower, speed, fuel consumption, etc. should I expect with the 383 Stroker?

Ricky

 

[ohioboater]

Anyone know how to remove these speakers? Don't see an obvious screw. Two of them are not working, so looking to replace. Also, right behind where the stern door opens is a circular cover with 4 screws, can a speaker go here as well? I didn't want to pull it because mine is cracked and might not go back together if I remove the screws.

 

[randmhall]

Cover by stern door isn't for a speaker, it is access for your stern shower plumbing

 

[MORobb]

Front speaker is probably a friction mount. Slide a flat blade screwdriver in behind and pry out a little. Cover should come off, then there will be some screws.

 

[ChrisMarx]

That engine / drive combo is worth about $6k easy as a used pull. Of course it's going to use more fuel! MPI and roller cam would be preferred on this setup for power and speed. I'd expect 5gph range if you are easy on it and up to 8gph depending on the prop. The 5.0 / Alpha can get 3.8gph. The bravo 3 has more drag but can handle more power. It's a great setup and I bet you can break 50mph easy and hit 55 on a good day if the engine was done right. $18k is a lot for an older boat and it depends on the condition of the rest of the boat. Seats, hull, vinyl, top, floor etc... I see 5.0's for about $12-16K asking price often. Being a 383 you are going to need PREMIUM fuel. That's going to hurt your wallet more. My slow 5.0 can use 87 pump gas @ $1.90 / gallon right now.

Might as well get the captains choice thru hull exhaust with that 383.

Hey guys, future 240 owner here. I'm looking at a 2001 240SD in which the engine was replaced with a 383 stroker motor in 2013. Last week the leaking lower unit was replaced with a rebuilt Bravo 3. All work was done at Marine Max. Asking price for the boat is $18000.

Any concerns with this combination of boat/motor/outdrive? Most of the early model 240's that I have found have had either the 5.7 EFI, or 5.0 MPI. What kind of increase in horsepower, speed, fuel consumption, etc. should I expect with the 383 Stroker?

Ricky

 

[ChrisMarx]

A 14.25 x 17P 4 blade is very impressive. Hole shot is like 3 seconds and you continue to pull hard up to 35mph and get there fast. Trim it out and you can hit 45mph with this prop even in light chop and still under 4800rpm. I might just have to leave this one on it all the time. I'd like to see what my top end is with the 3 blade prop I have, but the hole shot is nothing like this four blade. For tubing and skiing, I doubt anything can beat it. I'd highly recommend trying this size 4 blade.

First prop I tried from a recommendation, Apollo 3 15.5 x 17P stainless steel. 45mph, but hit about 4900 RPM really quick. Hole shot was great, but prop caused vibrations I didn't like.

Next prop: Apollo 3 14 x 19P. This one is close to the Merc Vengence but has more cupping which makes it load up more. I hit 45mph at 4500rpm. Water was rough. I suspect I could hit 48mph on glass and a light load. This one I'm keeping as a prop to use for longer cruises on Lake Cumberland.

Third prop to try just arrived. Solas Rubex HR4 14.25 x 17P. I'm looking for a ski prop. I suspect this one to perform like the 15.5 x 17P but smooth. I'll test this one in a couple days doing a knee board. It should be close. Cupping and rake isn't as much as the Apollo 3 14 x 19P. The four blades should provide more thrust and about 8% slip vs 10-12% slip with the 3 blade. 4 Blade props typically give more stern lift for slower planning. I'm looking for about 15mph with a nice swell for the board.

 

[Ricky Schultz]

That engine / drive combo is worth about $6k easy as a used pull. Of course it's going to use more fuel! MPI and roller cam would be preferred on this setup for power and speed. I'd expect 5gph range if you are easy on it and up to 8gph depending on the prop. The 5.0 / Alpha can get 3.8gph. The bravo 3 has more drag but can handle more power. It's a great setup and I bet you can break 50mph easy and hit 55 on a good day if the engine was done right. $18k is a lot for an older boat and it depends on the condition of the rest of the boat. Seats, hull, vinyl, top, floor etc... I see 5.0's for about $12-16K asking price often. Being a 383 you are going to need PREMIUM fuel. That's going to hurt your wallet more. My slow 5.0 can use 87 pump gas @ $1.90 / gallon right now.

Might as well get the captains choice thru hull exhaust with that 383.

I didn't realize that we'd have to use PREMIUM fuel with this motor. A lot of boaters here in Florida use nonethanol fuel. Is the use of Premium fuel suggested, or a must?

I've been looking for a 240SD here in Orlando, FL for the past few weeks and $18,000-$22,000 is about the range for 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 are typically around $23,000-$25,000. These are all boats with 400-600 hours on the 5.0 motor, good covers and minimal cracking/wear and tear on the seats.

 

[Ronald Rose]

I didn't realize that we'd have to use PREMIUM fuel with this motor. A lot of boaters here in Florida use nonethanol fuel. Is the use of Premium fuel suggested, or a must?

I've been looking for a 240SD here in Orlando, FL for the past few weeks and $18,000-$22,000 is about the range for 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 are typically around $23,000-$25,000. These are all boats with 400-600 hours on the 5.0 motor, good covers and minimal cracking/wear and tear on the seats.

non ethanol is usely a premium fuel or close to it so it should be ok.
B52d

 

[ChrisMarx]

A 383 Stroker has an increased CI due to a longer crank stroke of a 400 block crank. This has a compression Ratio: 9.0:1 engine. What is sold at the dock is a non ethanol fuel in two grades. 89 / 93 in most areas. So, yes it's already considered mid / premium fuel. Plus being ethanol free is a bonus. I hate that stuff.
If it's a Merc engine, I read specs it can run 87 pump gas. There should be a label on the valve cover that states what it can run. I was thinking it was more like a hotrod car build. We would use small CC heads that would bump the compression to 10:1 and you would need premium.

The 383 would be my preferred setup. But like you said, most are the 5.0.

I didn't realize that we'd have to use PREMIUM fuel with this motor. A lot of boaters here in Florida use nonethanol fuel. Is the use of Premium fuel suggested, or a must?

I've been looking for a 240SD here in Orlando, FL for the past few weeks and $18,000-$22,000 is about the range for 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 are typically around $23,000-$25,000. These are all boats with 400-600 hours on the 5.0 motor, good covers and minimal cracking/wear and tear on the seats.

 

[Tom Sylvia]

Anyone know how to remove these speakers? Don't see an obvious screw. Two of them are not working, so looking to replace. Also, right behind where the stern door opens is a circular cover with 4 screws, can a speaker go here as well? I didn't want to pull it because mine is cracked and might not go back together if I remove the screws.

Turn the speaker cover to the left to remove, then you will be able to see the mounting screws for the actual speaker. One of mine did not cooperate and I kinda had to destroy the cover to get it off.

 

[James Gibson]

I also added LED strip lights in the rear under seat storage, under the sink and in the ski locker. They are all wired to the “cabin lights” switch on the dash. The strip lights under the sink and seat storage extend in to the side pockets illuminating that area also. We love this set up.

That looks great! wish I hadn't seen it, LOL. Now I want to do it. Did you tap into the wiring behind the dash? How did you run the wiring into the ski locker and storage area? Seems like it would be easy to run the wire to the cabinet under the sink. Do you have a link to the stips lights, and I assume connectors you used?

 

[Ricky Schultz]

I ended up passing on the boat with the stroker motor and buying one with a stock 5.0 motor. It sounded like it would have been nice to have the bigger motor, but I didn't want to spend twice the amount of money on fuel every time we took it out.