1990 270 da

bigblockcutlass

bigblockcutlass

Member
May 9, 2010
832
Michigan
Boat Info
1998 Carver 370 Voyager
1990 270 sea ray sundancer twin 4.3L
1987 Power Play 230 Conquest
1987 Fo
Engines
454
I'm looking to buy one of these, The one I'm looking at has twin 4.3L. I'm see some with one 454 in them. What would be better.

thanks
Dan
 
My boat performs nicely with the big block...and I like not having to maintain two engines and drives. If you don't mind the extra maintenance then go for it. Either power package is good. If I was in the ocean I may go for twins.
 
bigblockcutlass said:
I'm looking to buy one of these, The one I'm looking at has twin 4.3L. I'm see some with one 454 in them. What would be better.

thanks
Dan
Click to expand...

Twin 454's or a nice pair of Cats or Cummins! :grin:

It's a personal choice at this point. The fuel burn will be close enough to call it a draw. You will incur twice the maintenance with twins, but you gain some redundance and reliability. If you boat alone in out of the way places, go twins. If you are on a crowded lake, go with the single 454. If you want to carry a LOT of folks on board and get up on plane, I'd lean toward the twins again. If you trailer it and worry about the extra weight, go with the single 454. Most will probably push you toward the twins and the resale is probably easier with twins. Manuverability around the dock is better with twins and if you plan on fishing and adding a trolling motor....... :huh: See? It's whatever YOU want! I think all men dream of twins! ENGINES, that is!
 
I boat on the ocean and with the towing insurance boat us provides or sea tow, I dont see it being a disadvantage. If you have a gas problem, both engines will not run. The big block get up and goes! I have had many people on the boat and never had the boat bog down.
 
This is my first with twins, and I'll never go back.

The balance is what sells me. Seemed with the previous, being a single, the boat always leaned one way or the other. Then you add the manuverability in tight spaces a BIG plus. But like others have said, to each his own...
 
Well a 360 is a bit of a different animal from a 290.....but pretty much can't disagree.
Leather lungs, We have the same boat and power. I get 22 mph GPS at 3500 rpm. At WOT I get 32 mph GPS and 4400 rpm....you say 36 mph at 3600rpm?
 
The twin 4.3's are probably a good choice, I personally don't want to feed twins. I have seen 268's with twin 4.3's - all day job just to change the plugs. Also, I just had to replace a drive - not an inexpensive deal. The cabin layout is the reason that I bought the boat. Plus, I wanted a genny and air. I like the port side companionway, it makes the mid berth usable. We cruise and stay on the boat for a month at a time and it is good for us.
I didn't like the convertible top, so I had it modified to a Bimini and had some new side curtains and a front eisenglass piece made. Better airflow and visibility. Also, I think it updates the boat a bit. The anchor light was moved from the middle of the windshield to the top of the arch.

29 mph on GPS at 3500 rpm. WOT - don't know, don't care. I could get 36mph at 3600 rpm going downhill with a stiff breeze on the stern! Hmmmm!, what do you have there Leatherlungs - you say a Bravo I drive. 1.5 to 1 gearing? What size prop? Have you been shinning that boats tutu?

DSCN078612.jpg
 
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my mistake, I went back and looked at my GPS track, Looks like 30 was the top speed... I was wrong.
 
I get 37-38mph on gps at 4600rpms with my stock 7.4L/454. I'm running a 4 blade Quicksilver 17P stainless prop. My best cruise is 3700rpms....I think I'm already in the 4BBL at that speed though. Anyone know at what rpms the 4 BBL kicks in? The only reason I would go with twins is so I don't have to steer as much while off plane. The wander gets old sometimes. If I bury the bow and run 1400rpms....it's not so bad. Twin 350's would be nice.....I'm not a V6 fan, Mike.
 
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I had a 90 /270 with a single big block and bravo 1,4500 RPM swinging a 19 mirage netted me 43mph.As far as maitenance I'll take the big block,remember the added weight of twin 4.3s make the boat stern heavy requiring more HP and RPM to keep the boat on plane.....I loved that boat,one of Sea Rays best designs.
 
bigblockcutlass said:
I'm looking to buy one of these, The one I'm looking at has twin 4.3L. I'm see some with one 454 in them. What would be better.

thanks
Dan
Click to expand...
to add my two cents, I have an 86 270 Sundancer 10' beam, with twin 4.3's. I love it. maneuverability is awesome...but, with a full load, full water, and 6 adults, planing is tough. sometimes doesnt happen, even with the trim tabs. But, that is to be expected with a full load......i guess....Either way you wont be dissapointed........
 
I have a 268 with the twins, and yes they are more work, but I spread my love equally, and treat me well, but I do feel like a contortionist when I have to work down in the engine compartment, and dont even get me started on that D@$# Onan Genset!
 
I've never had twins (engines that is) so I can't compare but I do like the room around the single big block when its time for maintenance. I switched to a Bravo III outdrive with the duel props and that was a major performance enhacement. I cruise at 26-27 mph @ 3,150-3,200 rpm and hit 39-40 @ WOT.

The Bravo III takes care of the handling issues around the docks at slow speed. With the counter rotating props I can back up straight and pull forward straight at even idle speed.

Because of the limited beam of the boat I'd opt for the single rather than the twins due to the ease and reduced cost of maintenance. Best wishes which ever way you go. These are great boats and fit a very nice balance between cruising size and trailerability.
 
we need to start an official 1990-1993 270-290 (same boat) where we can keep all the info in one place. There have been so many grades and performance issues that we could share. There are bunch of us on here. Quint - your in charge!!
 
I Haven't driven mine but once on the 1 hour sea trial last Sunday, although we only ran wot for 10 seconds we still seen 40mph recorded max speed on two gps' and my iPhone gps
Thats with a single 454 bravo one, 17 pitch 3 blade mirage prop, empty holding tanks, just under half tank of fuel with 4 adults on board
I was quite impressed. The salesman was very impressed, his guess was around 32max
 
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