500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

What was the orginal price difference between the 500's and 496 HO's? Is it correct that there is roughly a 6-8 mph difference between the two (76 mph for 500's & 69 mph for 496's). It doesn't appear that the 496 boats are selling for that much less than the 500's. I would think that it would have been quite a step up in $ new.

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

The actual speed difference in MPH will depend a lot on the boat. More in a 29 Outlaw, less in a 40 Outlaw.

Bottom line is MORE Horespower = More Speed.

When I bought my 36 new in 2002 I think I paid like $30K ( $15K per side) more for the 500's then the 496HO's. Seems like it was around that amount. You also get an upgrade in the outdrives included in that price as well.

In my opinion it was money very well spent.

GO BLUE

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

Plus the 500's are built so much better than the 496's. (internals)

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

Oops, forgot to put the size, 36 Outlaw. Thanks.

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

more like 68mph in a 496 36' and 74mph in a 500 36'

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

I agree that the better choice is the 500's. I just don't understand why the 496 boats are price roughly the same as the boats with 500's. Shouldn't there be a sizable difference in price? Would you consider the 496 boats underpowered?

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

There are several reasons.

1) We are in a very depressed market and people are needing to move their boats. The guy that does not know any better is looking at price.

2) Many people believe that the black motors last longer and do not require as much maintenance. A lot of this was learned from chitty dealers that wanted to seel what they had in stock and they bad mouthed the blue motors to scare the buyer away from them.

3) Many do not feel the 5 MPH is worth the difference and will not pay the price. Those people are not looking at the big picture either. You get better exhaust, stronger gimbal and drives, and offshore motor mounts.




Yes, not for me. Buy a cruiser if you want a 36 foot boat that runs under 70.

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

Did they upgrade the drives in the early 2000's though? I didn't think the XR Bravo came out until 03.

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

number one is just that...numbers

% depreciation hits the originally more expensive boat harder.

#2 the 500 EFI's may need valvetrain inspection and maintenence (parts) beyond oil changes in that first 300 hours. Not all, but it is common.

CMI's growing leaks with age are more potential expense in buying a used one with hours.

I think all this is reflected in the marketplace.

Re: 500EFI's vs 496 HO
 

What exactly needs to be done to the 500's? How much $ are we talking? Does that need to be done every 300 hrs?