chuck21401

I went to look at 1996 Formula 280SS today. Looked interesting to me and price was within my range. Much to my surprise, the boat in the pictures was not the one being offered for sale! When I went to see the actual boat for sale it was not very clean and had alpha 1 drives that looked as if they have been painted with a rattle can of spray paint.

Here is a link to the ad:
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...ck&searchtype=

I didn't make the connection until I returned home. Buyer beware!

I did however like the size and layout of the boat. This boat had twin 4.3 V6 motors, I wonder it would cruise at 25-30mph?

formula1

Chuck, I wouldn't consider a 280 SS with a pair of 5.7's. The 4.3's just won't do it. You'd almost be better off with a single big block and save all the extra weight!

I've never driven a Formula 280SS, only a Sea Ray 280SS. It had a pair of 350 mags and silent choice exhaust. That was a very exciting combo! I'm sure a Formula would perform at least the same.

chuck21401

You're probably right about the 4.3s. I'd want a test drive to see how the power works. The broker wanted an offer before allowing the boat to be put in the water. I think I'd at least want to make sure the boat float before making an offer. The size and layout of the 280SS was nice though. I'm not entirely sold on the styling of the earlier boats. Of course the new ones are $150K++.

Magicfloat

Don't write off twin 4.3's untill you run a 280 with them. A friend had a 1995 for years and loved it. Good combination of economy and performance. His new twin 5.0 280 is a little faster but uses more fuel. The single big block 280 is slower than twin V-6's, and has to work so hard it drinks fuel.Engines of choice of course is twin 350 Mags,but twin 4.3's perform well. And ,shameless plug,I have his trade-in

chuck21401

What is the cruising speed with that package...say at 3000-3200 rpm?

Sent you an email, looks interesting if the power works for the boat.

Magicfloat

Sent a reply but your spam filter blocked it.Call me 24/7 at 205-221-3072 about this 280. Robert

formula1

What I meant to say was I wouldn't consider a 280SS WITHOUT a pair of 5.7's.

Magicfloat

The older 280's run about 46 mph with a single big block,about 53 mph with twin 4.3's. Single big block is a pig. I've sold,and run both.Twin v-8's are nicer,but twin 4.3's do quite well.As with any used boat,the key is to run it,then decide. But it is important to convince the dealer/broker that you are serious,not just a tire kicker.As a dealer, I always ere on the side of the tire kicker,and waste a lot of demo rides,cause you never know. Hate to offend a serious prospect because I'm not sure he is serious.It's tough sometimes.

chuck21401

Sounds like good performance with twin 4.3s. My 242LS barely did 55mph We usually cruised at 30-35 or slower when it was choppy.

vulcan2870

I'm looking at a Sea Ray 280 SS that will need a repower over the off season. It has twin 5.7s in it now. What does anyone think about dropping in a set of Whipple charged 6.2 ltr (383cid) Black Scorpions? It certainly shouldn't be underpowered. I would think they should be good for 500Hp and 600ftlbs approximately. A 280 SS should be a ROCKET with that type of BBC power with SBC weight.