Depends on the price. 496's are fine engines, and should last several hundred hrs. Most of us cruise at 50 mph or so, right? 496's should get you there without being at WOT.

I wouldnt be scared of a 496 ho boat with some CMIs if the price was right. Good fuel economy and boat will still run in the 60s without running it on the dash.

im impressed that a 42 footer with 850 hp will do 75. what do other boats run with 496s (baja, formula, velocity, etc)?

Staggard motors, drive height, and a real efficient hull.The Numbers I have posted are pretty optimistic however. Add gas, coolers, bedding and whatever else and I think that 75 is still attainable with a blueprinted set of props. Still a good package I think.

My old boat, a 2005 32' Sunsation Dominator ran around 80 mph with twin 496 mag ho's. Might squeeze a couple of more mph with labbed props.It weighed about 6500 # versus 11K for the 42'. Fountain has a very efficient hull and drive setup. I have 525's in my 42' Ex and would not recommend the 496's. Poor re-sale and I don't think you are going to gain that much in fuel economy. Unless you drive the boat in cruise mode at 40 to 50 and plan on keeping it for a long time. I think the extra stress on the motors to push the boat to get on plane will out weigh the small benefits in gas mileage.

friend has 05 42 ex 496 loto stock as a rock 72- 74mph, no real problem getting and staying on plane

One big advantage is engine life rather than gas milage. 496's as stated above will go several hundred hours before a rebuild or major work compared to 200-300 hours for even modestly bigger power.

Not if they are running at the top of their RPM band and straining to push that weight, I have no experience with the 496 set up in that large a boat, only giving my opinion after having them in a smaller, lighter boat. There is no substitue for weight, length, and HP. I would not be satisfied with that set up.

do you guys forget they put 454's and 465's in the old straight hull 42's?


They also put 496's in new 38 Cigs

The boat would be slower than a 525 boat, but would be a very reliable mid to low 70's boat

we have a guy in my marina that repowered with 496's. 18000 lb 40' searay. runs in the 40's and has around 800 hrs since we repowered it 3 1/2 years ago. now thats a load and strain.