Uniflite 28 Mega
Built 1977–1984 by Uniflite Inc. (Bellingham, WA)
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About the Uniflite 28 Mega
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1977–1984
- Builder
- Uniflite Inc. (Bellingham, WA)
- Length
- 28.17 ft
- Beam
- 10.83 ft
- Draft
- 2.83 ft
- Displacement
- 10,500 lb
- Hull / keel
- planing
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 140 gal
- Water
- 50 gal
- Bow thruster
- not fitted
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
- Steering
- cable
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 140 gal
“Two 70-gallon tanks (140-gallon total capacity)” — search excerpt (1977), ca.boats.com · “Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 140 gallons” — search excerpt (1976), marinesource.comTwo listings agree (two 70-gal tanks); no builder figure found.
-
Water 50 gal
“Water: 50-gallon tank” — search excerpt (1977), ca.boats.comOne listing agrees; no builder figure found.
-
Holding unknown
“Holding: 30-gallon tank” — search excerpt (1977), ca.boats.comOne listing only.
-
Water heater unknown
“6 gallon water heater new faucets” — search excerpt (1978), boats-from-usa.comOnly one broker listing (a replumbed 1978 boat) mentions a 6 gal heater, which may not be original. No builder document was found.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster not fitted
“Standard Equipment list and numbered Optional Equipment price list (specification brochure) - no thruster” — brochure (c1981), boatbrochure.comThe builder's specification brochure lists all standard equipment and priced options, from hull to navigation, with no thruster.
-
Stern thruster not fitted
“Standard and optional equipment lists - no thruster” — brochure (c1981), boatbrochure.com
-
Steering cable
“Steering, cable, single station” — brochure (c1981), boatbrochure.com · “168 Helm, lower station, mechanical steering, w/seat, twin engines ... 169 Helm, lower station, hydraulic steering w/sea” — brochure (c1981), boatbrochure.comCable steering at a single (flybridge) station standard; a lower helm station was optional with either mechanical or hydraulic steering. No maker named.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Wide-beam sedan with V-drives reached through cockpit hatches; most have a lower helm. Galley two steps down.
Engines fitted
-
Crusader 220 (gas V8, V-drive) — 220 hp, gas, twin
standard
HMY: twin 220 hp Crusaders cruise about 20 kn and top out in the mid-high 20s; engines drive through V-drives under cockpit hatches. A 1978 Mega listing shows twin (rebuilt) Crusader 220s.Sources: hmy.com · thunderbirdyachtsales.com
-
Chrysler 318 V8 with Paragon V-drives — gas, twin
factory option
A 1978 Uniflite 28 Mega (listed twice on the same site) has twin Chrysler 318s with Paragon V-drives; rating not given. Whether factory or later fitment is not stated.Sources: boats-from-usa.com · boats-from-usa.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
No builder document, review or listing found naming a generator for the 28 Mega.
Known problems for this model
-
Fire-retardant-resin blisters hull
Uniflite built with fire-retardant resin; after the original Hetron supply ended around 1975 the replacement resin led to widespread gelcoat and laminate blistering, worse in warm water. HMY calls blisters a common problem on the Mega.hmy.com · nautipedia.it
-
Top-heavy with a full bridge hull
The bridge seats five, which HMY cautions is too much weight up high for a 28-footer except in calm water.hmy.com
Engines & parts
Crusader 350 / 454 inboard gas V8 parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Crusader 220 (gas V8, V-drive)”
GM-based inboard engines; Crusader (now part of Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Co.) still publishes illustrated parts manuals and sells through distributors. Go2marine stocks Crusader manifolds, risers, raw water pumps and ignition parts; Osco and Barr make aftermarket manifolds, and new GM/Crusader base engines are sold by rebuilders.
Parts sources: Crusader Engines, Go2marine (Crusader parts), 1-800-RUNS-NEW (GM & Crusader base engines)
Common problems (1)
-
Clogged or failing manifolds/risers exhaust
Owners find individual risers running much hotter than the others (a sign of internal blockage) and debate replacing vs. flushing; Osco manifolds are often preferred as closest to OEM.marineengine.com · marineengine.com
Maker’s service schedule (14)
| Engine oil & filter change 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 1 yr | “Change engine oil and filter — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 50 Hours of Operation / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 1 yr | “Fuel Filters - Service or replace — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 50 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Cooling System - Inspect/Replace raw water pump impeller — Every 100 Hours of Operation / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Drive Belt - Inspect condition and check tension — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plugs inspect / replace 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Ignition System and Spark Plugs - Clean and inspect condition — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 4 mo | “Exhaust System - Check condition and tightness of all hose clamps — After 1st 25 Hrs / Every 100 Hours(1) / Once Each Ye” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 5 yrs | “Fresh-water cooled models - Change coolant — Every five years” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Engine pencil zincs 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 mo | “Zinc Anodes - Heat exchanger and cooler - check condition — Every 30 days” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Transmission fluid change 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 yr | “Transmission and "V" Drive - Change fluid and clean strainer, if equipped — After 1st 25 Hrs (Hurth Only) / Once Each Ye” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Flame arrestor & crankcase ventilation - clean and inspect 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Flame Arrestor and Crankcase Ventilation System - Clean and inspect — Every 100 Hours / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Engine alignment check 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 1 yr | “Engine Alignment - Check and adjust if necessary — After 1st 25 Hrs / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Inspect all hoses (and cooling hose clamps) 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Hoses (all) - Inspect for cracks, swelling, weather checking or other signs of deterioration — Every 100 Hours / Once Ea” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Shift & throttle cable linkage - inspect and lubricate 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 100 hrs or 4 mo | “Shift and Throttle Cable Linkage - Inspect and lubricate — Every 100 Hours(1) / Once Each Year” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
| Electrical system - check connections and wiring 2013 MPI 5.0L/5.7L (350 CID)/6.0L | 50 hrs or 2 mo | “Electrical System (complete) - Check for loose or dirty connections and damaged wiring — Every 50 Hours(2) / Once Each Y” — manufacturer (2013), crusaderengines.com |
Service part numbers (18)
| Oil filter remote-mounted oil filter (MP7.4L and 2013 5.0/5.7/6.0L MPI) |
Crusader 22679 | “Oil Filter 22679 (MAINTENANCE ITEM PART NUMBERS)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filter MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 |
Crusader 47038 | “Fuel Filter 47038 (MAINTENANCE ITEM PART NUMBERS)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel filter 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13 |
Crusader RP080026 | “Fuel Control Cell (FCC) Fuel Filter Element RP080026” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel pre-filter / separator MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: engine-mounted Racor water-separating filter 47046 |
Crusader 47047 | “25 47047 Element, Racor fuel filter (Not Shown) 1” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Fuel pre-filter / separator 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13: primary fuel filter |
Crusader R080033 | “Primary Fuel Filter Element R080033” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water impeller MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 (raw water pump RA057031) |
Crusader RP061017 Replaces R061017 |
“Replaces Crusader R061017 (Impeller Kit with Gasket & O-Ring | Crusader RP061017)” — dealer, marinepartssource.com · “Replaces Crusader R061017 (Impeller Kit with Gasket & O-Ring | Crusader RP061017)” — dealer, marinesuppliesdepot.com |
| Raw-water impeller 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13 |
Crusader RP061022 | “Impeller , Raw Water Pump (1) RP061022 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Raw-water pump kit MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008 (raw water pump RA057031) |
Crusader 40064 | “40064 Overhaul Kit, Major (includes items 2, 3, 11, 14 and 15)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: alternator drive |
Crusader 98210 | “Alternator Drive Belt 98210” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: raw water pump drive |
Crusader 10258 | “Raw Water Pump Drive Belt 10258” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, left-hand (LH) rotation: serpentine |
Crusader R066028 | “Belt , Serpentine (1) R066028 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (LH))” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Drive belt 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, right-hand (RH) rotation: serpentine |
Crusader R066029A | “Belt , Serpentine (1) R066029A (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (RH))” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plug MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: platinum plug |
Crusader 49078 × 8 | “Spark Plugs (platinum) 49078” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Spark plug 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13: platinum plug set |
Crusader RP030010 | “Spark Plug , Set, (Platinum) (1) RP030010 (ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Thermostat MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: raw-water (standard) cooling, 143 F |
Crusader R026002E | “6 R026002E Thermostat (143-degree) 1 (Raw Water Cooling Components - Figure 18)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Thermostat MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: fresh-water (closed) cooling kit, 170 F |
Crusader 98203 | “5 98203 Thermostat (170-degree) 1 (Fresh Water Cooling Components 1)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| Zinc / anode MP7.4L / MP454 XLi (454 MPI) - illustrated parts manual L510008: oil cooler / transmission cooler / heat exchanger |
Crusader R168005 | “24 R168005 Zinc, sacrificial 1 (Raw Water Cooling Components - Figure 18)” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
| On-board spare parts kit (belt, cap, rotor, fuses, relays, plugs, impeller, fuel filters) 5.7L (350) MPI with FCC fuel system, 2007 on - 2013 owner manual L510001-13, LH rotation |
Crusader RK173089D-07 | “ON-BOARD PARTS KIT 5.7L (LH) 2007 TO PRESENT, FCC FUEL SYSTEM RK173089D-07” — manufacturer, crusaderengines.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Model sources (6)
hmy.com · nautipedia.it · thunderbirdyachtsales.com · boats-from-usa.com · boats-from-usa.com · boatbrochure.com
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Other Uniflite models
- Uniflite 34 Sport Sedan / Tournament Fisherman 1974–1984
- Uniflite 36 Double Cabin 1972–1984
- Uniflite 42 Double Cabin 1971–1984
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.