268 Vista Going to BIMINI

rem9607 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 13, 2013 11:51 pm

Planing a trip to Bimini Bahamas in May. Trailering our 268 from Mississippi to Fort Lauderdale, FL for the big trip. Anyone have accurate fuel flow numbers for this boat? Im thinking the best flow is- 3500RPM, 27MPHish, 10GPH, and 2.25MPG. Numbers seem to good. Anyone have better numbers. Some of theses I get form same size boat reviews off Boat test.com

Thanks

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Sat Dec 14, 2013 8:49 am

We plan on 2mpg, which is usually a bit conservative. Our 268 is bottom painted, which will affect speed and economy a bit. According to refueling receipts, we consistently get 2 to 2.25 mpg at 3500 to 3700 rpm. Others have installed fuel flow gages and may be able to give a better answer. The Four Winns web site has all the specs and your numbers sound in line. That sounds like a great trip. Let us know how it goes.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:33 am

Want some company? I was planning this trip about the same time.

Bliss36 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 14, 2013 12:53 pm

Hello rem9607,
Sounds like a great trip and can't wait to see pics! In calm conditions 2mpg is a pretty safe bet but will drop off if there are any wave/wind conditions. In rough conditions we get as low as 1.2-1.4 mpg, but I'm sure you'll be picking a good weather window to make the crossing. Below is an example of a 268 making the crossing and his fuel burn...scroll to the bottom. Good luck!!

http://grandsportcenter.com/customers.htm

rem9607 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 8:43 pm

Thanks Bliss36 for the info. Price of fuel really goes up as you go south. Hoping to top the boat off a couple ours out of Fort Lauderdale and prior to leaving Bimini Ill get a little more for comfort.

rem9607 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 8:46 pm

ric wrote:

Want some company? I was planning this trip about the same time.

RIC,

With a good weather window we are planning to head out Monday Morning May 26th out of Fort Lauderdale for Bimini. Staying the night at a Marina and heading out a lil after sunrise. Looking at staying three nights at the Big Game Club.

rem9607 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 8:50 pm

Do you guys pull off your out drive and inspect gimbal bearings every year?

taz42169 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 1:19 pm

rem9607 wrote:

Do you guys pull off your out drive and inspect gimbal bearings every year?

Yes!

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 1:39 pm

rem9607 wrote:

Do you guys pull off your out drive and inspect gimbal bearings every year?

Absolutely. It is a 15-20 min job to pull the drive. I store mine inside for winter, so I use the opportunity to check gimbal, u-joints, seals, bellows, fluid, etc.

6 bolts, 2 Tilt Ram nuts, and the shift linkage rod undone, off it comes onto a wooden cradle with casters that I made.

rem9607 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:51 pm

Thanks,

Really hard to find information about pulling a Volvo Penta out drive. Lots of info on Mercury.

Bliss36 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:50 pm

rem9607 wrote:

Thanks,

Really hard to find information about pulling a Volvo Penta out drive. Lots of info on Mercury.

NiagaraChillin posted one of the best step by step tutorials on how to remove the drive here, but the images aren't working anymore....is that a simple fix NiagraChillin?
http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10459

Here's some good info from another site
http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=108297

Once you get the outdrive off you can ck the alignment with this tool
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Drive-Alignment-Bar-Motor-Tool-For-Volvo-SX-3851083-and-OMC-Cobra-18-4442-/310809976471?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item485db7de97

Be prepared because the Volvo DP is a HEAVY outdrive!! If you make a stand with wheels you can pull it yourself but without a stand I recommend having a buddy help...for your back's sake

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Tue Dec 17, 2013 8:35 am

Bliss36 wrote:

NiagaraChillin posted one of the best step by step tutorials on how to remove the drive here, but the images aren't working anymore....is that a simple fix NiagraChillin?

Thanks! I have to reload the images to the hosting site, it deletes them after a year. I will try to do that tonight.

rem9607 wrote:

Thanks,

Really hard to find information about pulling a Volvo Penta out drive. Lots of info on Mercury.

It really is simple. Two 5/8's wrenchs, a flat tip screwdriver, and a socket set (plus a swivel extension) is all you need. And like Bliss said, it is heavy, about 80lbs, so have a buddy or a cradle to help ya...

rem9607 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:06 am

NiagaraChillin and Bliss36!!!!

You guys rock, That is more information then I could find online! Thank you so much. The link to the alignment bar is great also. I have been looking everywhere for that bar but nothing says it will work for DP-SM 1.95 (already on order) . Also, I see there is NO Gimbal House/outdrive housing gasket to worry about. If not, I now know why I could never find a gasket part number.

rem9607 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 20, 2013 6:08 pm

Well I have water in the gimbal bellow. Easy fix, BUT aggravating knowing it was all replaced about 2 years ago and no big signs of why its leaking. You guys ever know the reason they leak? Find the evidence or just change it out and check again later hoping it all holds up?

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Fri Dec 20, 2013 11:06 pm

When you get a chance, check the entire bellows, and especially the front end of the upper bellows next to the hose clamp screw. On my 95 190 Horizon, the hose clamp's screw wore a hole in the bellows due to repeated contact when turned to the right stop. This area is visible with the outdrive turned full left while looking from the right side between the transom shield and gimbal ring. I was able to change my bellows with the outdrive off, but without removing the gimbal ring. Volvo issued a service letter on this and the fix is a new bellows and a slightly different hose clamp with instructions to locate the hose clamp screw at about the 1:30 to 2:00 o'clock position when viewed from behind the boat (or 45-60 degrees from top on the right side). While you have the outdrive off you will want to clean up excess grease, re-grease the gimbal bearing while turning it to ensure that you purge any old or contaminated grease and fill the bearing with new grease. The grease zerk is on the right side of the transom shield right next to the transom. Pay attention as you rotate the gimbal bearing and feel for roughness while the bearing rotates. Also look to see if there are grease zerks on the universal joints on the driveshaft. Check the u joint bearings for roughness and re-grease if you can.

www.iFourWinns.com

268 Vista Going to BIMINI

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