Looking to purchase 2860 Denali

[escaping_the_flow]

I have my eye on a 1998 2860 Denali with 650 hours and a single Volvo Penta 7.4 I/O. I am live on the Gulf coast of Florida and was wondering if anyone has this boat/engine and/or experience with this boat out on the Gulf. I do plan on trailering the boat and based on what I have read this is fine for I/O running in salt water provided you keep up with regular maintenance.

So any advice on the boat, engine, and/or I/Os in the Gulf is greatly appreciated.

[FtsyMarine]

I own a 1997 Denali with twin Mercruisers up in Mass. The boat is wet slipped for the season.

Some notes:
The boat handles incredibly well in a variety of sea conditions
This is a heavy boat, which helps its ride, but effects its trailerability - what are you towing with?
Fuel capacity is less than I'd hoped
I/O requires lots of maintenance, but in my opinion, is easier than some other setups. Especially with you looking at the single engine option, access to manifolds/risers, etc should be fantastic. I did all that work myself last season and it wasn't too bad.
For your volvos, make sure there is a reputable shop that services volvo engines and outdrives nearby


Feel free to reach out with any questions.

[escaping_the_flow]

I am towing with a 2015 GMC Sierra crew cab Z71 4x4. I was planning on doing the maintenance myself as well and I have relatives that are auto mechanics so I would be able to ask for help/advice since it is basically a car motor.

[FtsyMarine]

I would check your towing capacity of that truck if its a 1500. I pulled mine with my 2015 F-150 and it towed fine, but I believe was over the capacity. I was going less than 2 miles, so I wasnt bothered, but if you have any distance, make sure your truck and brakes can handle it. I think the dry weight of the single is 7,200lbs... It can carry 1,000lbs in fuel, another 3-400lbs in fresh water tank, similar in waste, then gear, oils/fluids etc... It gets heavy quick.

[escaping_the_flow]

I have looked into my trucks tow capacity and believe it can handle 11,000 lbs. I am in SW Florida, so it is flat land, no hills or mountains. Boat would be stored within 5-10 miles of any launch I would use, would never be driving faster than 55 mph with the boat. The dry weight is 7200 (according to listing), add fuel and trailer, I think I would be around 9700 lbs, fresh water and holding tanks (if full, 20 gals each) would add 320 lbs. So I Would be about 1,000 lbs under my limit.