Posted: February 19 2007 at 17:16 | IP Logged

We have a 1983 SeaRay 36' Aft cabin.  It has two 260hp Mercruisers.  Does anyone have any idea how many miles per gallon this boat will get.  We are trying to figure out how much fuel we need to go a specific distance.  It holds 270 gallons.  Also, we have Onan generator, 6.5, any ideas on how much gas it uses per hour?  Has anyone repowered this boat with new motors and with labor does anyone have an idea what the cost is?  We are new boat owners and have no idea.

Thanks, John and Sharon 

Posted: February 26 2007 at 01:01 | IP Logged

Jeff,

Thanks so much for your information.  We had a mechanic-a trusted friend-check our motors and one of the cylinders is not firing.  The boat has less than 1900 hours on it and we were told it had 336 hours since the motors were rebuilt when we purchased it.  Our mechanic thinks that is not correct since the boat had 1686 when we purchased it.  We have put less than 200 hours on it and with the 336 should only be 530 hours since the engines were rebuilt.  They are tired and quite a bit slower than when we purchased it.  They would top out at 20-21 when purchased and now we can barely get them to 15.  How difficult and expensive is the Floscan meter to install?

Thanks,

John and Sharon

Posted: February 26 2007 at 18:54 | IP Logged

Jeff,

Our motors are not fuel injected-are yours?  We burn about a quart of oil every 1/2 tank of gas, our tanks hold 270 gallons.  Do you use any oil as this?  What did you do to upgrade your ignition system?  Our is electronic ignition, is yours?  Since the boat had several previous owners, none of which we knew, we dont have much info to go on.  Our mechanic friend did a compression check and one cylinder has 0 compression.   Cant tell more until the heads are removed so we are not quite sure what to do.  Do you have a closed system? 

Thanks,

John & Sharon 

Posted: February 27 2007 at 08:36 | IP Logged

Hello John and Sharon,

You had a few questions which I will try to answer.  Feel free to ask further and I will respond if possible.

Question: " How difficult and expensive is the Floscan meter to install?"

I believe a twin engine (gas, non- fuel injected) is about $400 US.  Plan for another $50 for cabling and misc bits.  Installation is not difficult (2-3 hours) but as you are cutting into the fuel lines, you want to make sure you plan your work to not have fuel leaks.  I put the gauge on the flybridge and rebuilt the panel for the new gauge (photo attached).

Question: "Our motors are not fuel injected-are yours?"

Mine are carbourated as well.  Rochester Quadrajets.

Question: "Do you use any oil as this?"

I may use 1 quart of oil for each engine in one season (100 hours).  As you have found, your engine has a serious problem.

Question: "What did you do to upgrade your ignition system?"

The ignition is a traditional point system (not electronic).  Suprisingly, one engine has a Mallory distributor and one a Prestolite.  We installed a simple kit from Sierra on the Presolite distributor that replaces the points and condenser.  It cost aout $100 US and works very well.  We will modify the Mallory distributor this spring.

Question: "Do you have a closed system?"

No.  Being on the Great Lakes, I get away with having raw water cooling.

Here are some pictures of the dash after installing the Floscan.

Posted: February 27 2007 at 08:46 | IP Logged

Hello John and Sharon,

In case you do not have it already, you can download the owner's manual for your boat at:

http://www.searay.com/owners_manuals.asp?tab=&year=1983& amp;folder2=83_355_Aft_Cabin

Posted: February 28 2007 at 20:15 | IP Logged

Jeff,

Thanks so much for the manual.  we have an old, been wet, parts missing one with the boat.  We have emailed several boat yards to try and get a ballpark idea on how much and what is entailed to repower or rebuild.  Not quite sure what is best at this point.  Thanks for the pix and answering all our questions.  Your flybridge looks exactly like ours except our is navy blue. 

Have a safe and fun summer!