z260 fuel consumption/reviews/specs
 

I am looking at a 1998 Z260 with the 7.4 merc/B3 combo and only 74 hrs on it. I am trying to find some reviews and specs for this boat but am coming up empty. Specifically, I am looking for GPH consumption ratings as well as the dry weight (for towing purposes. Does anyone have any of this info? Any owners of this year/model that can give me some feedback? The dealer was asking $51k CDN, then dropped it to $41K (includes trailer but has no canvas), but I have seen them on yachtworld and some private listings for about $30K US.

Mike

I can tell you that we have a 1998 brochure showing the Z260 available to our contributing members. Click on 'Donate' above and all will be explained.

I can also tell you the dry weight is approx 6800lbs with the 7.4L. There are a few others here with that particular boat. You could try sending a PM to S.L.P. since he has a 2000 version of this boat with the same motor/outdrive combo you are looking at and he should be able to give you the answers you are seeking.

koresample,
mikeyt is correct, around 6800lbs. I have not yet ck'd the weight at a public scale, this spring maybe. I expect boat, trailer and 'stuff' weighs in at around 8100lbs.

As for the GPH, I try not to think about it. It might Make me wanna buy a sailboat.
When feeding the bigblock at the pump, I just smile and repeat to myself, "It coulda been twins"

S.L.P.

thanks to both for your reply's! I really like the boat, but the weight is just too much for my V8 explorer (6900 lbs max). Trailer, some fuel and leftover water would just kill it. Looks like I will have to try and find an express cruiser in the 24-25' length.

Mike

I would buy another truck

I'd suggest possibly looking at a 23-24 footer if you plan to keep your Explorer as the tow vehicle. I wouldn't look at anything larger without upgrading trucks. The Explorer's a great SUV, but it just doesn't have the wheelbase, suspension, or towing capacity for anything above that. Most trailers weigh in the neighborhood of 1400-2000lbs, Mine weighs in at 1700. Then factor in the additional weight of fuel, water, and gear, you'll max the tow vehicle out quickly.

It's a shame you don't have the means to pull the Z260, Mariah's cruisers are sweet boats! Is there a place you could have it docked or launched so you wouldn't have to tow it?

If you really like the boat I would trade vehicles :) That's exactly what I ended up doing.

:confused: They don't call them "Exploders" for nothing... ;) :rolling_laugh:

It's a viscous cycle, buy a boat; need a big vehicle, buy a bigger boat, need a bigger vehicle....

Guilty as charged!! That's why I bought the Excursion, now I'm ready just in case I find that Z308 within my price range!

Good thinking! :wink_thumbup:

I bought the Jeep for my wife...
Just like I bought the boat for the kids... :rolling_laugh:

It never stops!:shakehead:
My wife wanted a bigger boat ( Yes! I said my wife; ain’t life great!) This meant I needed a bigger truck to pull the boat. The new boat won’t fit in garage- thus new pole barn to store boat. Wife, four kids and I fill up new truck. Wife’s 10yr old Expedition dies, we can’t go with smaller SUV, she wants new Expedition to pull boat so kids friends can go along too! This is why Exxon-Mobil makes $300 million profit this year.:eek_animated:
But you know what. I forget about it all when I am on the water so although I have never named a boat before I am going to name this one: Temporary Amnesia.