Engine Size for 26 foot boat

[Silver Streaker]

Hi, I am considering the purchase of a used Formula 260 Bowrider. It has the Volvo Penta GXi with 320 Hp. I have a fear of buying an underpowered boat and constantly telling people to move to the front so it can plane. Is this engine sufficient for a 5300 pound boat with another 1500 pounds in people and fuel? How does one determine something like this? It's a 4 hour one way drive to see the boat so want to rule out if not powerful enough before the drive.

Thank you.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

what drive is behind the motor (almost more important than the motor)

if its an SP drive, walk away.

should be a DP. while I believe you are under-powered and you wont win races. most likely the drive is running F4 or F5 props. top speed about 40 with the right prop(s) on the boat you will always plane. I am estimating your top speed based on the performance of a 35 year old 27' Carver with a 271hp V8 and a duo-prop volvo that weighed in at 5700#.

My 26 foot boat in my sig had a small block with about 330hp and the duo prop drive getting 48mph and my boat weighs about 4200$ fully loaded

before buying, always take a sea trial

 

[BRICH1260]

I`ve got the same size boat and engine with a DP drive. I have no problem getting on plane, actually does very well. Not the fastest boat on the lake, tops out in the upper 40`s but on my lake you seldom get the chance to run WOT for very long, too rough. It is good on gas which is nice compared to a big block. It`s a good power to weight ratio.