Thanks again for the input.

I have found a 2003 Sea Ray 280 with twin 5.0's/bravo III with 300 hours for $65k and doesnt include trailer or generator.

Again the other boat I looked at was a 2003 Sea Ray 280 with single 8.1 Bravo III with 155 hours for $55k, but includes trailer and no generator.

I eliminated the 4.3's because I cant see them having better performance than the 8.1 and if I go to two engines I want a significant difference.

I am going to set up a sea trial for the 280 w/ 5.0's and also go out on the 280 with the 8.1 again.

I would really rather avoid getting two engines if the 8.1 performs like I thought it did. Plus I want the trailer because I have a place to store indoor in winter.

SF...my dad used to have a '94 290 SD with a single big block and the boat did just fine. Even loaded with people. If you really want the single engine, and the boat meets your performance requirements...go for it.

Couple of opinions based on what I've read so far (take them for what they're worth )

--Don't pass up buying a boat just because some of us think it might be underpowered. (most of us think ALL boats are underpowered!)

--Don't worry about depreciation. If you do, there's no sense buying a boat. As for whether the same boat with twins will depreciate faster than one with a single, IMO it's probably a wash---as you just found out, the twins cost more in the first place. But I doubt they're going to keep the % rate of depreciation down. And when gas is $5 a gallon, the twins may be a liability come time to trade or sell...