268 Islander: New to forum

[ckolloff]

I have lurked around here for a bit and enjoyed the information I’ve learned. Im in Williamsburg VA and just picked up a 1995 Islander 268 with twin 2007 Suzuki 175 outboards so I figured it’s time to join and introduce myself. This boat is a BIG upgrade for me and I’m just getting started trying to learn to handle the boat. It will be a do it all boat - cruising with the family to explore and enjoy the area and a little fishing too. If anyone has any tips or info specific to this boat, I’d love to hear it. Cheers! Chris

 

[Halfhitch]

Welcome Chris, Nothing better than having family on a boat. Kudos on stepping up to the 268.

 

[family affair]

Search a little for 268 or Islander. A number of forum members have provided a lot of information on various Islander projects. Also check The Hull Truth for member rbarclay. He did extensive work on an Islander. His model had the 270 hull with the 268 top side. 2002 I think.

 

[A&J Outdoors]

Congrats on the boat and welcome to the forum!

 

[Stephnic]

Congratulations on the new boat, I had a 1998 268 for ten years great boat.

 

[ckolloff]

Thanks for welcome. I’ll continue to search and learn.

 

[shawnw35]

I'm in richmond va with a 98 islander....great boat....I would surely change your scupper drains and hoses....remove the transom bang plate and have fiberglassed over...outside of that enjoy

 

[shawnw35]

Since this boat has a narrower beam that most 27 ft boats make sure to get comfortable using your trim tabs...

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Fishtales]

Welcome to the forum and best wishes with the new boat.

 

[efx]

I have a 99 islander that I spent a year redoing. Good boats. Safe and you can trailer them. I do 100-150 mile runs about 15 times a year off Southern California. I highly suggest keeping the stern light and using the hull length to get the boat to run its best. It’s worked for me and I burn right past Parker’s out here becuase the Grady can cut the afternoon chop better.

 

[Hookup1]

I've done a lot to my '98 Islander 268. Same hull as yours (changed in 2000 or 2001 to Islander 270). With to 4-blade props is probably my best upgrade. Search HOOKUP1 here for details.

 

[ckolloff]

I'm in richmond va with a 98 islander....great boat....I would surely change your scupper drains and hoses....remove the transom bang plate and have fiberglassed over...outside of that enjoy

Can you explain “transom bang plate” is that the aluminum cover on the top exterior of the transom or the heavy aluminum reinforcement inside the transom?

 

[glacierbaze]

The aluminum cover on the top exterior of the transom.

 

[Stephnic]

I had the cap removed and glassed over. Here is a couple of pictures.

 

[Cadeco]

Welcome !!! I* also have a 268 Islander (w/ a single F250 Yami), new to me and very few hours used since i got it. Already fixed the cover above the spare tank and still have some stuff to do but for the few times i used it , it's a good boat! My next project would be selling the 250 and getting twins (2 stroke because of the weight), just to fill safer on offshore trips.

 

[Hookup1]

Welcome !!! I* also have a 268 Islander (w/ a single F250 Yami), new to me and very few hours used since i got it. Already fixed the cover above the spare tank and still have some stuff to do but for the few times i used it , it's a good boat! My next project would be selling the 250 and getting twins (2 stroke because of the weight), just to fill safer on offshore trips.

Considering the 200hp Yamaha four strokes. Four cylinder 150/175/200. All the same weight - around 475 lbs each. This is what I'll do somewhere down the road. Boat is rated for 400hp.

 

[family affair]

My df200 ap's should be hung in the next couple weeks. I'll provide data as weather permits.
The zukes are about 80 lbs heavier collectively than the Yamahas, but I welcome the weight in the 270 hull. If the 268 can't stand the weight, Merc 150's are a great option at 455 lbs, but are only available as mechanical controls.

 

[Hookup1]

My df200 ap's should be hung in the next couple weeks. I'll provide data as weather permits.
The zukes are about 80 lbs heavier collectively than the Yamahas, but I welcome the weight in the 270 hull. If the 268 can't stand the weight, Merc 150's are a great option at 455 lbs, but are only available as mechanical controls.

The 270 was the transition to the four-stroke motors. The full length hull adds additional flotation. The 268's have a shortened running surface to create a "bracket" or euro transom but they are rated for less weight and HP.

 

[family affair]

Correct. The Merc's actually weigh less than some of the 2 strokes that were available for the 268. The Zukes are a bit heavier.
The 270 was designed for up to 500 HP from the the tubby 3.3 f250's. I'm hoping the df200 4 cylinders are the Goldilocks of the options for my use. I'll know soon.