You said you like long high speed runs. 280's are costly for that kind of use. 300xs with a 32 and you can cruise fast run fast and get killer mpg's. And these 300xs's don't seem to care about weight like the 2.5's!! After 20+ years of 2.5's I really like the 300xs.
Ally03 tell me about your set up. After reading all I could find looks like anything from 4.5" to 14" will work. I ordered a 10" plate for mine. Was 15" with the 280
Hey JR, sold my 280, 260, and all my 2.5 parts recently. Putting a 250xs or 300xs on shortly. Did you change your setback as well? Oh...I think I'm good on seat time :)
Looks deep. The waterline should be just below the nose when running. If you can get someone you trust to drive, just go to the back and look at it. Not wide open obviously! The top of the case below the cavitation plate will be running pretty dry without a lot of spray coming up when its right...