Looking at 28ft Denalis

[mikeg]

Just sold my 25 ft Crownline cruiser and a Denali with a single engine is now on the top of my list.I have a few questions for owners esp about the motors.My last boat had a merc 454 (300hp) and at 5500 lbs seemed perfectly powered.The boat will be used all weather except winter on the Ches bay and needs enough power to come back facing winds and waves.The older denalis have 454s but weigh 7500 lbs so my first question is this enough power?The newer models have a 8.1 or 496.Should I hold out for these motors and pay more for a newer model?My last motor was a merc and parts were easy to get.How difficult will it be to find volvo parts in Maryland and are they pricey?My FWC 454 had water injestion problems on the cruiser.Is that an issue for I/Os in the Denali?I noticed more than a few had new motors.Lastly I have been on newer outboard powered Pursuits but how big is the v berth on the Denali (I am 6ft 7)?

[vze2gbs4]

Hi Mike

This site is relatively new and needs some time to grow .Thats why there may not be 2870 owner to chip in and answer your questions .
But I;ll try to guide you in right direction. I also was looking at 2870 Denali last year and saw few almost pulled the trigger. Than I discovered 2670 Denali LS with outboards. Have it for a year now and I'm 10000% sure I'm made the right call.
She acctualy came from Port Deposit MD area where she was stored indoors. Boat has very unique layout and feels bigger than 2870 because of that. Beamy 9.6 and exprees (flat ) style bow.Only drawback is lack of cabin space so if you need that since you had Crownline keep looking at 2870. They're selling in $ 50-75 K range so little more expensive than 2870 but worth it because of outboards.
If you're interested I'll write another post about this rare Pursuit model that was last model desigh personaly by Leon before he gave S2 to sons to run.
Andrew

[mikeg]

Andrew,Thanks for the info.I like outboards but since I do most of the work myself and am familiar with GM V8s I was going to hold out for a large V8 single.How involved is the upkeep on the twin outboards?The 2670 sounds interesting and is a great looking boat.It looks a lot more modern than the older denalis and I like the rounded windshield.The small bunk and the open pottie don't fit since we stay over weekends and need more privacy.I will say that I had a S2 7.9 sailboat and loved the brand so I am looking foward to the quality on another s2 product.When I bought the Crownline cruiser Denalis were out of my reach financially but now I want a better quality boat.

[vze2gbs4]

Hi Mike
My first two boats were inboards . Once you try outboards - four strokes that is - you can't go back. I would never have the boat again that I don't see my drives once back to the slip.And very quiet. Upkeep is more expensive than inboard but if you're handy as you say piece of cake. No climbing or stratching inside the transom. I do my own service on engines so moneywise it's about $ 600 for all the service for both engines.I mean think about it there is a reason why all Pursuits are outboard powered now.People love them , easy to sell,replace or fix.Not to mention that if one engine brakes at sea you have another one to bring you home .And gas consumption is amazingly afordable burning 14-16 galons per hour on both engines and cruising 3800-4000 RPMs and speeds of 28-31.
Yes cabin is small so 2670 Denali would not be good for you. It's more of a day cruiser.
Price of 2860 Denali is way down these days so $ 30-45 K budget will get you a nice boat.Now there is 2870 offshore with twin Four stroke outboards that has a cabin and is aproaching $ 50 K range.If you find twin HPDI probably same price as 2860 Denali.
I do love my Denali and owning Boston Whaler, Grady and Sea Ray in the past I have to concur that Pursuit is one step above.
The design of my boat is the best I ever saw in all my years living in 26-28 range.Wish I could show you around you wouldn't believe what Pursuit engineers were able to come up with.
And since nobody else is chipping in - Mike go to Hull truth and type Pursuit Denali in search box-lot of info regarding your boat from other owners
Andrew

[mikeg]

Andrew,.I may need to rethink the outboards.Yamaha repair is easily available in my marina.Even though HDMIs are cheaper I think 4 strokes are worth the price.I've owned a number of 2 stroke bikes and small outboards and hope never to go back to the plug fouling and the smell.My fishing buddy has a Grady from the 80s with a Yam 2 stroke and he always arrives early to get the motor started.He also carries a kicker if the thing breaks down off shore.I got to this site thru Hull Truth but may post this there for a wider response.Thanks so much for the replies.

[vze2gbs4]

Well Mike I'll be going to Port Deposit to check on the Pursuit and kick the tires probably next week as soon as snow melts. If you still may consider 2670 and would like to see the boat in person you're more than welcome to come by. And no boat is not for sale.
If you still desire bigger cabin and toilet with a door start looking at 2870 WA but not older than 2002 ( first year 4strokes came out ) If potential new boat is powered by 02-05 Yamaha 225 4strokes do the research to potential midsection corrosion problem that affects this power model.
Also GW has 265 Express similar to Pursuit with full stand up toilet and shower-very affordable.
Before I got Denali I had deposit on 2000 Tiara 29 Coronet with twin Crusaders. Clean as wistle , $ 15K custom hard top, $ 12 K in electronics and only 220 hours on engine. Same price sticker as Denali. Went to sea trial and thanks god there was a 3-4 foot chop so I could realy feel the boat in right conditions.. Wipers didn't stop workind that how wet that boat was. Maybe great for Great lakes but here in open waters in Jersey boat was a slob.Killed the deal before we even got to dock .Thanks god deposit was written by check , dealer was pissed off.It was a super deal pricewise but looking back now I'm so happy I end up buying Pursuit.
Andrew

[vze2gbs4]

Oh yeah because of my denali two more guys bought one last season. One is in my marina and another in marina next to mine. We call our area 2670 Denali capital and often go together . There is nothing better but to watch your boat on the plane from a distance while piloting another Denali. He-He
Both of them had different manufacturer boat before I arrived . One ride is all it took.It's very rare model and it wasn't easy to find one that owner is willing to separate with.
One is without a hard top and believe me it performs and handles differently.
Andrew

[mikeg]

Thanks again.GW 265 is on my list and the local dealer has a used model.Just waiting for the electricity to be back on around this area (100,000 blacked out Thurs).I also hope to hit theAtlantic City boat show next week and look at some pursuits.Our local dealer on Kent Island has a very limited supply and his prices seem high.The final boat I'm looking out is albemarle 265 but it has a reputation for being rocky on a drift.Since most of my fishing involves drifting or anchoring a rocky boat may not make it.

[vze2gbs4]

Hi Mike
I'll be visiting AC boat show on friday. Same dealer from New York boat show will be representing Pursuit ( Sandy Hook yacht sales-new NJ dealer ).You're not gonna like the sticker price for a piece of new fiberglass - they seem to be out of reach for average Joe nowdays.
Have no experience with Albemarle nor I ever owned one so can't give you any input but if you visit above mentioned dealer there is one GW 265 that I have seen in person and very fairly priced.
Don't rush the process of buying the new rig-it's buyers market I've sen so many deals that your head will spinn.
Just saw 2000 Tiara 3500 open with twin Cummins diesel snatched for $ 75 K by somebody I know. Crazy it has $ 600 K sticker price new.
Andrew

[mikeg]

AC show not bad.Smaller than 2 yrs ago but I don't miss the big yachts.I went to a great diesel repair lecture.No Pursuits and no Prolines to look at.Sport fishing boats seemed to be mostly center consoles.Scout had some nice looking boats.