I found stock 496's for $10K each from govictorymarine. $15K each straight from Merc. Most reliable 600Hp motors I priced were $20-30K each. If I buy straight from Merc, which is the way I'm leaning, it will cost upwards of $30K+ to repower with stock 425HP motors.......about what i paid for the boat back in December.

Congrats to both you guys, Very happy to see it worked out for everyone. --------I just wish it was me

That sounds about right.

wHY NOY JUST REBUILD WHAT YOU HAVE? Are they too far gone?

I was going to go that route, but the heads are alluminum and are too corroded, per my mechanic they need to be replaced. The intake manifolds are pretty corroded as well. I can't justify putting that kind of money into that old set up because I'll never get any of it back. I could rebuild, maybe get another 1-200hrs out of them (no gaurantee) and then 2-5 years later I'd be right back in the same "boat." Effectively merely delaying the purchase of new engines. Doesn't take much research on OSO to read about so many other rebuilds that go bad after 20-30 hours. Hell, they've already been rebuilt once. On the other hand I could buy new 496's with a solid warranty, should last 1000hrs the way I drive. As little as I drive that setup would last me 20-30 years and be a very attractive resale down the road. If there's anything worth doing its worth doing right.

Good luck with your Apache Andy, hope it works out for you so you can use your boat this comming summer, I would go with the new motors with a warrenty, it is the safest, smartest way to go!! That is why I decided to sell I just could not justify spending another 20-30k on this boat, after all that I have already spent. Good luck

Andy... you are headed in the right direction.
Does merc have a credit card program? 0% and no payments for 12months w/ purchase of new engines?
Wish you the best... my you have a good Xmas bonus.

If the economy keeps going the way it is they will be giving them away.

Bankruptcy work pays really well

That is the last thing this country needs Andy is more bankruptcy!!!!, We need to get the economy moving again, not more negativity

I don't throw companies into bankrutpcy; I just help them through it.

Will you be changing your screen name now that the boat is gone?