mittens

Looking hard for one at the moment. made an offer on one....


So, i have a few questions.

What year did they shorten the bildge? I know some show LOTS of room to work on the motor, and other seam TIGHT.

For the people with the small bildge, how hard is it to change impellars? haha. Looks like almost impossble to get to, unless the back of the rear seat comes out or something.

How tight is thebath room when you have to use it? ha. i Have seen pictuer of a guy in one for size reffernce.

Anthing i should be looking out for?

Baja_342

2001 is the first year for the small bilge / extended cockpit. If you're looking for a generator on the 2001+ it'll be under the back seat and not in the bilge.

The bathroom is small. I don't use it, but it works fine for the wife and kids.

My previous 2 Bajas were a 302 and a 29 OL both powered by 7.4s. I've never really paid attention to fuel bills before going to the 342 with 502s. I can almost watch the gas gauge drop when I get into the throttles. Between a little more power and pushing a lot more boat through the water it is painful at the pump.

I keep it on the trailer at a marina and we have to launch it ourselves. I can launch it myself, but prefer a helper if my marina is busy. My wife is great with the dually and trailer.

Take a good look at the trailer. I recommend at least electric brakes so you have brakes while backing down a ramp. Last year before I converted my trailer the boat would drag my F350 down the ramp if I wasn't extremely careful.

mittens

really that big of a difference in fuel?

I mean 2 454s, and 2 502? I know the heaver boat...but dman.

I will be coming froma single 454. I normall put 50 bucks in and run the weekend where i am at, expecting 100 bucks to make the weekend for me now.

the good new i will not have to run back tot the doc to take a **** int he morning though. haha.

Baja_342

Twin 310 HP 7.4s. Not MAGS.

$100 will not even move the needle in a 185 gal tank. I would triple your estimate assuming you actually plan on driving the boat

mittens

well i mostly use the boat are a cruse.

I run up river about 10 miles, and acnhor for the day. but have to make a bathroom runt he next morning and then saty that day too.

I would say 90% of the time at 3200 rpms. I like the speed, but its only the rare times i have the need to burn some gas or pass a buddy when running,. I maining that to be able to pass my dad in his 330ss formula, and keep up with my buddys new donzi at 70. but like i said, i go a few weeks at a time never running it WOT. then maybe hit it for a short burst or something.

my parents have twin 496's and can make it to the beach and back on 60 bucks. and a 100-150 will last a weekend.

mittens

also how fast will one go with twin 454 NONE mags? haha
60?

Baja_342

I boat the same way. I do cruise a little higher. Usually around 3700 and 50 MPH. Boat just feels "right" there.

The base 7.4s only took my 302 and 29 barely into the 60s. No way they move a 342 to 60.

huskyrider

I certainly agree with 302.
I can put in 300 at the gas station, not on the fuel dock, in my boat and only get 1/4 tank with the same size fuel tank.

My guess would be that the 342 at those rpm's would deliver 1 1/2 mpg.
Congrats on your potential purchase, I really liked the 342's a bunch. I just found them shy on headroom for my tallness and a little bit tight in the salon.
I went with the 38 instead and although I love the larger salon and headroom I hate that it's a real gas pig.

Baja302, I'm curious as to what your mpg wouuld be at low 3000's -vs- low 4000's comparing slow cruise -vs- fast cruise.

See ya,
Kelly

Baja_342

Crossing the 4000 mark seems to make a big difference. Other than short bursts I hang around the 35-3800 area. I don't calculate GHP or MPG. If I did I wouldn't boat at all. I just heat up the plastic and let my wife pay the bills!

Point being I do notice a big difference in pushing a 302/29OL with 7.4s vs the 342 with 502s. But hey, gas has come down around here lately so it's time to run hard!

mittens

well i am hoping the extra time i can stay weather it be at the doc or on a hook, should be worth the extra gas.

Most of the time i have to go home to sleep in a nice bed with AC, and have a bathroom (girls like certain things)

but with this it should make sleeping a lot nicer.

How big is the V birth?