So what engines do I buy for the P28...

[pugracer285]

Now that my 225 EFIs have sold I'm trying to decide what to replace them with.

Thoughts on racing are fading fast as it just seems like too much agro to get a licence, make the boat actually fit a class etc so probably just going to stick with pleasure use.

The original plan was to run 225 Optis but I am now also considering other options.

My target speed is 80+mph so probably needs to be 250hp+

Like the idea of twin 300xs but finding a matched counter rotating pair is proving difficult. (without going to the States) Nico has a R/H one in Belgium which is of interest but would then need to find a L/H setup to match.

Prefer 20inch mids for ease of rigging but would consider other options if the parts are easy enough to source and convert.

For reliability I am reluctant to go modified although it does seem like a 225 Opti can be reliably turned into 280hp for around £850 per engine (by swapping the exhaust tuner/ecu/reeds and flywheel from Simon Motorsports)

They need to be low hrs - say less than 250 unless they've had an overhaul by a reputable workshop (with receipt)

Not fussed on integrated or external trim pumps as I'm told it doesn't really matter.

Might sound crazy but fuel consumption and reliability are big factors so this rules out older EFI motors. I'm told the XS range (esp 300xs) are actually pretty good on fuel at mid revs. (I appreciate all of the above will be expensive to run at full chat)

I already have one very low hrs 225 Opti which can be px'd or sold on as and when I find something else suitable. (have also bought a new c/r box to suit this but it's not a sportsmaster so not viable with the xs range.

Budget wise I'd like to spend under 15k. Will be tight I know to find 300xs for that but they are available in the States as a pair for around $21k and I have good shipping contacts. (and can potentially reclaim the VAT)

What do you all recommend?

James

[Captain Chaos]

well, you know where theres a low hour 225 opti should you want it!

[Hydrostream]

I like promax either 2.5 or 3.0, if 3.0 I'd defo go with an X as the electrics on the std 3.0 promax are a bit soft.

But feeding 2 of those beasts would bring you to tears. Figured they burned oil at the exact same rate as my mates merc 90 used fuel. Be bloody quick though!

[RossM]

Originally Posted by Hydrostream

I like promax either 2.5 or 3.0, if 3.0 I'd defo go with an X as the electrics on the std 3.0 promax are a bit soft.

But feeding 2 of those beasts would bring you to tears. Figured they burned oil at the exact same rate as my mates merc 90 used fuel. Be bloody quick though!

Dont be put off by this opinion, The 3.0 EFI electrics are fine & very reliable, Our modified 300 promax has been running flawlessly for 5-6 years with 355hp, No electrical problems at all!

Lloyd who has the later motorola system on his 280 & had a complete nightmare getting the engine to run properly!

[S1DEY]

I have a pair of 300xs coplete package call me

[lloyde]

Originally Posted by PuppiesBalls

Dont be put off by this opinion, The 3.0 EFI electrics are fine & very reliable, Our modified 300 promax has been running flawlessly for 5-6 years with 355hp, No electrical problems at all!

Lloyd who has the later motorola system on his 280 & had a complete nightmare getting the engine to run properly!

No that was a nightmare with the DDT not the Motorola system

[RossM]

Originally Posted by lloyde

No that was a nightmare with the DDT not the Motorola system

????the DDT didn't stop the engine running properly, a DDT is just a window into the ECU to find out why/ what is playing up.

[The Docta]

Dont laugh but Have u thought about a pair of 4 strokes? Might lose a bit of top end but great reliability and economy with loads of grunt!

Didn't your 28 do rb8 with a pair of 4 stroke yams? Sure you could pick up a pair of Honda 225s for decent money as there are a few ex race motors kicking about.

[gazza]

Yep it did

gaZ

[Paul E]

[pugracer285]

Originally Posted by The Docta

Dont laugh but Have u thought about a pair of 4 strokes? Might lose a bit of top end but great reliability and economy with loads of grunt!

Didn't your 28 do rb8 with a pair of 4 stroke yams? Sure you could pick up a pair of Honda 225s for decent money as there are a few ex race motors kicking about.

Yup a pair of Yam 250s - did low 70s if I recall from talking to Martin @ Power Products

He said it was pretty faultless (but worried about breaking saddles etc so didn't push it nearly as much as they could have with full on race engines)

Having had both a single Suzi 250/300 and 3-4 Opti 200/225s in the past on ribs I don't think there is much difference on the fuel consumption between the 2/4 strokes.

There is obviously a saving on the oil (esp the fancy dfi oil Optis need) but the weight penalty of a 4 stroke (and higher outright purchase cost) make them less attractive.

Hondas are relatively cheap but very poor power to weight and hard to find in 20in shaft.

[Hydrostream]

Originally Posted by pugracer285

He said it was pretty faultless (but worried about breaking saddles etc so didn't push it nearly as much as they could have with full on race engines)

Reinforce the saddles

Paul E, thats just wrong!

[Frenchbruno]

Hi,
On a P28 kevlar/2 x200xs last october we did (3 persons on board, 80l gas)107km/h with four blades O/T hydromotive propellers, the hole shot was not good at all, then we have tested a pair of 28 bravo std, the hole shot was excellent but too much in pitch, anyway we reached 112km/h GPS, we are waiting better weather condition to make another prop test, and go down in pitch, hope to reach 115/117km/h, I think it's the limit with the actual set up.
A pair of 250XS is available per advertising (need to check) but in 25legs.
http://www.ribworld.co.uk/ribs-detail.asp?testid=315
Hope this help....

[drew]

Originally Posted by Frenchbruno

Hi,
On a P28 kevlar/2 x200xs last october we did (3 persons on board, 80l gas)107km/h with four blades O/T hydromotive propellers, the hole shot was not good at all, then we have tested a pair of 28 bravo std, the hole shot was excellent but too much in pitch, anyway we reached 112km/h GPS, we are waiting better weather condition to make another prop test, and go down in pitch, hope to reach 115/117km/h, I think it's the limit with the actual set up.
A pair of 250XS is available per advertising (need to check) but in 25legs.
http://www.ribworld.co.uk/ribs-detail.asp?testid=315
Hope this help....

I want that boat! Thats lovely.