Howdy Ya'll... Gettin' a new boat, but need some advice...

[ReelWork]

Hey Guys,

Been a stranger, I know, but I've been lurking here and there. The kiddos really know how to keep a fella busy. In the last year I retired from the Air Force, graduated college (finally) and am now working as a Civil Servant (GS) for the Air Force. At any rate, the admiral has given me the green light for a new boat - well, I took her for a test ride and that's all it took..

So, I am going to be getting a Blue Wave 2400 Pure Bay but I would like to hear some constructive advice on motor choice. The one I test rode on had a Yamaha 250 VMAX SHO and it was bad to the bone.

My concerns with the SHO are the shaft length (20"), low water pickup (overheating) and if the SHO is truly suitable for saltwater use. The new F250 and F300 Saltwater are 25 inch shaft and have a better cooling ability. I've also read some sporadic reports of the SHO's blowing cylinders here and there as well some lower unit issues. No problems with the 4.2 F250 and F300 to date that I have heard.

The 2400 Pure Bay has a 25 inch transom and comes with a 10 inch jack plate. MAH HP is 300. With the 250 SHO we were running around 56 WOT on a very rough bay chop and it was smooth.... Thinking the F300 is only about 6% more on cost (about $1400) over the 250 and should net a top end in the low/mid 60's. Just not sure if the 300 would be worth it in performance and hole shot... However, I'm sort of going on the mindset "you've never heard anyone say they wish they didn't have so much power"

The guy who took on us on the test ride said the 250 SHO was mounted as low as possible and it still could stand to be lowered a tad more. He liked the motor too, but recommended the Saltwater/Offshore 4.2 liter (F250/300)

That said, here are the motors I am considering in this order.

1. Yamaha F250 or F300 Saltwater, 25 inch shaft and both weigh in at 535 lbs - same 4.2 liter block as the SHO (505 lbs), just larger alternator output, "saltwater" rated and obviously the shaft length. Will probably opt for the Command Link PLUS.

2. Yamaha 250 Vmax SHO - 20 inch shaft. Already mentioned my concerns above. The dealer said they are using 2 inch spacers to help get it a littler deeper in the clean water which I questioned about the center of gravity. He said it wasn't an issue. I have to wonder, then why not just put on a 12 inch jack plate or ??? Something just seems off, ya know? I did love the motor though and that's why the F250/300 are at the top of the list.

3. Suzuki DF300, 25 inch shaft with SMIS Electronics bundle. The electronics are not as sweet as the Yammie CL Plus and I'm also wondering how well it will compare to the yammie on performance. Otherwise, have heard nothing but good on the Suzuki DF300.

4. Mercury 250 or 300 Pro XS - Great motor, but thinking the 2 stroke days are numbered on a lot of waterways... Already happening on California...

5. Evinrude E-Tec 250 HO or 300, 25 inch shaft. Been reading about a lot of issues with these. Great on paper, I like the electronics too, but the customer service seems to be lacking too..

Now, I have a good service base for all of the manufacturers I listed so that is not a major concern..

Let's hear it and of course, thanks in advance!

[Trollnheel]

CHRIS!! Good to hear from ya buddy! Congrats on the retirement and college gig! Keep us posted on the boat. If it were me, I would go with option #1

[Ludicrous]

F300 but add an Atlas jackplate. HP and the ability to adjust engine height. Make sure you get a water pressure gauge.

Edited August 26, 2010 by Ludicrous

[welder]

Hey Chris, good to hear from ya.

I would go with #1 in a F250, it's a PROVEN motor. Yes you can Haul but down there in the bay BUT I have been in those bays when , SLOW and POWER is needed due to weather. Like they say in Texas, You don't like the weather just wait 15 min.

I try to keep my rig as simple as possible all the way around , there is too much to go wrong out on the big water.