www.iFourWinns.com

I have found a 2008 H260 with the Mercruiser 5.7 MPI 300 hp Bravo3 drive; has anyone had experience with this setup? Is the 5.7 too small for this boat? I now have a 21' Caravelle with a 5.0MPI 260hp with a 9 person capacity that I use for wakeboarding, skiing and tubing usually with 4 adults and 4 to 5 children aboard. It has a Merc High Five stainless prop and does a great job towing with this many aboard. I would like to have the H260 for use with 6 adults and 7 children while playing on the water but I'm not sure the 5.7 can handle the load and still perform for towing. Should I pursue this boat or should I wait for one with a larger engine? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike,
My 2005 H260 had the 8.1L 375 hp and had plenty of power. However, with a load of people I would not want anything less in the power department. I would pass on this one unless the price is very enticing...like under $30K

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2009 SL262, Merc 8.1L HO 425 HP With
Bravo III "X" Drive and DTS Smart Tow

+1. That boat needs the big block. I wouldn't go with it if it has the 5.7. Sure, it would work, but you'll have to deal with it again someday when you want to sell the boat.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I have ride on H260 with VP5.7GXi DP(320HP), Merc MX 6.2 MPI (320HP) BIII and VP 8.1 Gi DP(375HP). If you never ride on 260 before then you would feel ok with small block 320 HP engine. However once you ride on 8.1 you will not want anything less especially you are planning to load up with many people and doing water sports.
I do not think 5.7 MPI (300HP) will not cut it. You want at least 320 HP engine on 260.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

Went tubing a few weeks ago with 11 of us on board. I'd never dream of doing that with a small block. If you're interested in a 260 with a big block, look at Millhavens boat. It has the right motor!

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

I'll echo the previous posts. You could own that boat with the small block but you would be disappointed in the performance based on how you describe the use of your boat. I have the big block and can't imagine I would be happy with anything smaller. Do I really need it? No, but I know I wouldn't be happy with anything less. There are plenty of 260's out there without a big block so they work for some people. But as Cougar said I think when you go to sell you will have some trouble. Here is a link to an article bout the same boat with different engines.(The 250 has been renamed the 260) These are Volvo engines but I bet figures would be close on a Merc.

http://www.boatingmag.com/article.asp?section_id=8&article_id=483&print_page=y

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

Thanks for all your replies, I will take your advice and try to find one with a big block. I really appreciate your help, I'm sure you saved me a lot of grief since I too do not like an underpowered boat.

Thanks again,

Mike

Thanks for the plug Dave!!!


Where are you located? My boat is a little on the rough side cosmetically but mechaically it is excellent. Interested? PM me.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

millhaven,

Sorry I did not get back to you sooner, I was out of town for a few days; I am located in Indiana. Thanks for the offer but I am actually looking for a new boat or one just a year or two old.

Thanks again,

Mike

No problem! One thing you will find with the newer boats is that they don't seem to have as much room but they look prettier and have a few othe interesting features such as the rear seat backs that flip up for lounging.

Good luck on your search.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

It's amazing how much more room the older 260s have compared to the new ones. A few inches here and a few there make a difference in this boat.

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

I have the 260 with the 8.1 Volvo...used it all summer. Light loads and a lot of people (forgot to count how many)...towing and not. I know anything less in HP would be disapppointing and a frustrating experience. BTW, my last boat, a Sea Ray 220, had a 7.4L so I am used to and biased toward big power in boats. (Now if I can only figger out how to get under that dang bridge when the lake is at full fill....)

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Optimus Prime
Now: 2007 Horizon 260, (2007/08 brochure boat)
Previous: 1995 Sea Ray Signature Select 220
Tow: '07 Avalanche LTZ
Seattle and Chelan, WA

My 6.2L 320HP Mercruiser w/ Bravo III has no problems with power.

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2005 Horizon 250

I agree with Xavid. I have a 260 '05 with the 6.2 320h.p. and I haven't had any issues. Would I like a big block? Of course I would but, don't let people steer you away just because it doesn't have a big block.

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05' 250 Horizon
6.2MPI 320HP
Bravo III