Questions about Sea Ray Pachanga

Dave Hall

2004-07-19 13:50:21 UTC

Post by WBucha
I would like peoples opinion about a 1988 19 foot Pachanga with the 205 horse
4.3L V-6 engine.
What is the reliability of this Merc 4.3?
How is the performance and fuel economy of the boat?
Would I be better off with a V-8 model, if I could find one?
I noticed it doesn't have a windshield, how is the wind blast at speed?
Is this just a Lake boat or is it capable of going thru Long Island Sound and
up the Hudson River?
There are other questions I would like to ask but I can't seem to put them into
words.

I had a 1989 22' Pachanga and despite some of the issues that I had
with it, it was (and still is) one of my all-time favorite boats.

The 4.3 V6 is a very dependable engine. Unless it was abused, or has a
very high amount of hours on it, I wouldn't worry about it.

As for performance and economy, you can expect about 4 (give or take)
MPG at optimal cruise speed, with a top speed in the low to mid 50's.

Absence of a windshield is a problem for me for two reasons. The first
being that the noise of the wind rushing by pretty much drowns out the
sound of the radio, engine or any conversation below a shouting level.
My other issue is that the wind in my face makes my eyes tear
unmercifully, not to mention the sting of hitting a rather large
flying insect at 60 MPH. Granted, I've got sensitive eyes, but all
things considered, I'd rather have a windshield.

A small, fairly lightweight boat WILL pound in a chop, there isn't
much getting around it. A boat like the Pachanga is most at home on
lakes and rivers, but can occasionally take the challenge of larger
bays, as long as you know up front that the ride will likely get
"bumpy".

Dave