Hey guys, going to look at a mid 2000 29 with a single 496ho....I know its the smallest motor they put in that boat....but any real world experience with this set up would be greatly appreciated...I know, get the 575sc, only go blue, etc etc.

This will be just a cruising around kind of boat, not running apba or sbi!!

Thay run very well with a single and 496 good motor hours on motor?

Motor has 600hrs...boat seems to be clean...its in Jupiter Florida down the road from me 40k

I bought a 29 with a 575 and hated it for multiply reasons but more importantly check the hull for transom and stringers make sure they are solid. Not really much you can do to a 496 to get more performance.

I have been able to hit 73, with a 400 hour 525EFI in my 2003 29. Getting the top end done this winter, but roughly 100 less HP I would imagine you could still see mid 60s. With a full load its tough to get on plane with my boat, I know some change their prop to a lower pitch to get on plane quicker, but sacrifice top speed. Im curious if a 496 would be about the same, better, or worse.

Agree with this 100% bring a hammer with you and do some tapping, Or better yet, get a survey done.

Good info thanks guys.....I am thinking if it takes a while to plane with a 525....100hp less will def be a struggle fully loaded.....

The 496HO is a great engine if you want thousands of hours of trouble free boating. It isn't a good engine if you're trying to go fast.

I have a late model 27 w/ 496HO and it has about 67-68mph in it with a light load. The 29 hull is a bit more efficient with the larger step than the 27. I wouldn't expect the 29 to be faster than 67-68mph though.

My 27 is set up with a 1.65:1 drive and 30p prop, the same way that most of the late model 29's are set up. When the boat is full of fuel and 4-5 people it takes WOT, full tab, and long run to get it to plane. The 29 cannot be any better.

Get a survey and a test ride if possible. If it checks out, great boat and engine package for what you are looking to do. I would only buy the 29 over the 27 just for the fuel tank size alone. If it is propped correctly (check the factory performance sheet) it will plane out just fine, just tuck the drive and bury the tabs.

He doesnt need any help with the Fever now that he bought is 25 Sport fish.

I am curious what you couldnt live with on the 29s in your other post. I know the only thing I complain about is how hard it is to get on the bow.