86 11 meter express

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 11:53 am

just purchased 1986 11 meter express with the twin merc crusaders 454.
This forum is great,glad to have found it. I would love to speak to owners of same boat. Sellers will tell you all the highs of the boat but none of the negatives.
My first question is about the engines what is good cruising range and do not exceed range.

jordan · Post by **jordan** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:07 pm

Welcome aboard! I have an F series so I can't help but I'm sure you will get a lot of good info from the guys that own Internationals.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:58 pm

Hey Glenn, welcome aboard. There are a few guys here that should be able to help you out.

BlueBelle · Post by **BlueBelle** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 1:03 pm

Welcome aboard! I have a 1986 11M but have diesels. Congrats on your purchase. You will find plenty of help here.

Mike Kulp · Post by **Mike Kulp** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 4:12 pm

Hi Glenn welcome aboard. I have a 1986 10 meter mid cabin with 454 crusaders I cruise about 20 mph at 3200 to 3500 rpms burning about 32 gallons per hour. I love my boat it has a great ride but it is not the fastest boat on the water, when I run with the same size Searay's they always pass me until the water gets rough then they will slow up and pull in behind the Trojan, in a following sea they also tend to handle great. They tend to like the gas though if you do any long distance cruiseing you will fill up everyday.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 4:42 pm

Welcome

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 5:01 pm

welcome along side..

454's are gas pigs but very dependable I love'm

Just keep them tuned and they'll do you right..

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 6:31 pm

welcome

if you have a specific question, we cAN PROVIDE A SPECIFIC ANSWER

DAMN CAPSLOCK...

rws

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 6:54 pm

Welcome aboard!

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 7:05 pm

RWS wrote:welcome

if you have a specific question, we cAN PROVIDE A SPECIFIC ANSWER

DAMN CAPSLOCK...

rws

RWS...no need to yell at him....gosh....

jaahmez@hotmail.com · Post by **jaahmez@hotmail.com** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:46 pm

Glenn,

3.2-3.4k rpm 32-36gph. I run 4 bladed Nibrals that I think are 24". The 350's have 1110 hrs and looked great via manifolds and plugs and compression when I serviced them this winter. The Wye fittings do need replacement though at the end of the exhaust run prior to the boxes.

I have a 1984 11m International that I've almost completed an interior refit on as well as lots of electrical replacement/upgrades. I have been through almost the entire boat over the past two years. Feel free to ask through the forum or pm and I'll answer if I can.

James

smiller192 · Post by **smiller192** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 8:42 pm

I think I do a little better on the fuel consumption, but the 454's definitely like the gasoline. Welcome to the forum, it is a great source of info. The 11 meter is a great hull and I am sure you will love it. I have the original wiring diagram and manuals on PDF and would be happy to share. The wiring diagram is invaluable if you are changing or upgrading the electrics.

I did recently have an issue I have been meaning to post for comment. I recently lost power on my starboard engine in the Miami River. While trying to navigate to a safe location to determine the problem. I found the boat extremely difficult to handle on one engine. I have had several larger boats, this was the most difficult I have ever experienced. Is this typical of this hull. My problem was a failed master circuit breaker on the starboard engine, easy to find and bypass to get home. I want to get into open water and see if I can get the boat to track on a straight line. Not enough area in the river to find out. Any body else have this problem?

http://www.collegefair.org/11_meter_progress_page.htm