2009 H260 with 5.7GXi 320hp - Enough power?

Twox48 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 8:50 am **Posts:** 25

I'm looking to buy a very well kept 2009 H260 with Volvo Penta 5.7GXi 320hp duo-prop power. (200 hrs on the boat). It's going into winter storage before I can sea trial it this fall, so I may put a refundable deposit on it contingent on a spring sea trial. (It's in extremely nice condition)

I was looking for opinions on the power in this boat. Enough or not enough? I'm not looking to break any speed records but do not want an underpowered boat. I want to be able to get on plane relatively quick. I know that the small block weighs a lot less than a big block so that needs to be considered.

What can I expect for a top end with 5-6 people aboard? 45-47mph?

What is the low cruising speed on this boat to keep it on plane?

Just trying to get a feel of what to expect in the spring. If I get a lot of negative opinions I may just pass and keep looking.
Thanks for your opinions in advance!

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 9:43 am

You can look up the info on the Four Winns website under "Fast Facts"

The H260 with 5..7L will be good for cruising. Only adequate for watersports. 8.1L recommended.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

I think the 5.7 GXi which I have in my boat is sufficient, but if I was an in H260, I'd want the 8.1 big block. Its not that the boat is slow, she'll do 52 mph, and the hole shot is good, but you will inevitably want more

Twox48 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 8:50 am **Posts:** 25

Thanks for the Fast Facts page! Very helpful info.

Also, not looking for a water sports boat. Maybe pull an occasional tube but that would be rare and as long as I can get on plane with it I'll be ok...

And I agree that there's no such thing as "too much power" but I'm trying to grow up a little bit...this boat is for family enjoyment, not just for me.

My friend has a 2001 260Br Formula with 330hp (?) and it hits about 47-48 mph and I'll be fine with that type of performance.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 11:07 am

"Enough power" is all relative. Based on what you want to use it for, the 5.7 GXi seems adequate.

Obie · **Posted:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 3:59 pm

I have a 255 Sundowner with the same engine that weights a little more than the H260. I can reach 45 mph, but rarely do so. It is more than enough power for cruising at 28 mph while burning 9.5 gallons per hour. For my needs at age 63, the boat is perfectly powered at 320 hp. I have trim tabs, but the boat is just a little slow to get on plane. If I was very interested in water sports and romping around I would get a bigger engine. My minimum speed on plane is about 24 mph, it gets real mushy below that depending on the number of passengers.

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Thu Sep 24, 2015 2:03 pm

H260 5.7 GXi DP (assuming it has F5 Props) perform great for the most of occasion. We tested both 5.7 GXi DP and 8.1DP Gi and performance difference is not big unless you load with with 10+ people… I feel with 6 to 8 people on board you would be satisfy with 5.7 GXi… It is like do you need a 8.1? the answer will be “No” but you want one if you can have it……

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Sep 24, 2015 4:42 pm

GottWhat wrote:

"Enough power" is all relative.

How true. The Saberliner-65 I used to fly cruised at 522 miles per hour. But we wished it had a little more power so it could cruise at 550 miles per hour.

But seriously, I think the 320 HP will be satisfactory for you. My H240 has 250HP (although in 2000, they were only 4000#s). I cruise long distances at 30-33 mph, and top out at 46mph light or 43mph loaded heavy. When pulling up wakeboarders or kneeboarders, I do not use full throttle. I have plenty of power of tubes and slalom skiers also.

jontmiller · **Joined:** Thu Jul 26, 2012 8:16 am **Posts:** 296

What are you flying now? Used to love taking care of the sabre's when I was a young line guy. ... seemed like an overbuilt fast machine...almost as cool as the occasional jetstar's we would see come through : )

Twox48 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 8:50 am **Posts:** 25

So far the consensus I'm feeling is that the 5.7 320hp should be "enough".

It's true that there is no such thing as "too much" power, but from experience I know that "not enough" power is VERY possible and the point to this thread was to get a feel from others about the performance of this set-up before I waste my time with it.

Thanks to all and I think I will continue to pursue this particular boat!

rpengr · **Posted:** Fri Sep 25, 2015 8:26 am

jontmiller wrote:

What are you flying now? Used to love taking care of the sabre's when I was a young line guy. ... seemed like an overbuilt fast machine...almost as cool as the occasional jetstar's we would see come through : )

Yes, the Sabre is built like a brick s.h. It was designed as a military executive transport.
My day job is an engineer in manufacturing. I haven't had the part time Jet job for two years, but I'm going through training now to copilot a Falcon 200. Also a rare bird, and a little bit larger than the Sabre.

jontmiller · **Joined:** Thu Jul 26, 2012 8:16 am **Posts:** 296

Put a lot of gas in a Falcon 10 and 20 back in the days. (current airline pilot) Have fun getting the type rating

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Don't know about the power as mine is a 210...I got plenty power with mine at 300 HP 5.7 with single prop though. I will say to make sure the pressure on the fuel pump is checked on low and high side...if that fuel pump is whining its a 600 dollar bill for the part alone. Also, make sure they check the steering ram as they were built with condoms for seals I recon.

I will say that tubing doesn't need much power at all as you don't have to ull anyone up. Slalom ski takes most, but that's a lost art. You should have no prob with recreational boarding or tubing if your not pulling for the lake championship.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Don't know about the power as mine is a 210...I got plenty power with mine at 300 HP 5.7 with single prop though. I will say to make sure the pressure on the fuel pump is checked on low and high side...if that fuel pump is whining its a 600 dollar bill for the part alone. Also, make sure they check the steering ram as they were built with condoms for seals I recon.

I will say that tubing doesn't need much power at all as you don't have to ull anyone up. Slalom ski takes most, but that's a lost art. You should have no prob with recreational boarding or tubing if your not pulling for the lake championship.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Don't know about the power as mine is a 210...I got plenty power with mine at 300 HP 5.7 with single prop though. I will say to make sure the pressure on the fuel pump is checked on low and high side...if that fuel pump is whining its a 600 dollar bill for the part alone. Also, make sure they check the steering ram as they were built with condoms for seals I recon.

I will say that tubing doesn't need much power at all as you don't have to ull anyone up. Slalom ski takes most, but that's a lost art. You should have no prob with recreational boarding or tubing if your not pulling for the lake championship.

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2009 H260 with 5.7GXi 320hp - Enough power?

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