Hello everyone you have a great form, I am new to this sport..and I need some experienced guidance, this is my situation, I have just acquired a freshwater 1990 Fountain Fever 36 (38 with platform) the hour meter reads 650 hours, it has twin Merc 525 SC, with Merc blowers. One of the engines starts fine runs a bit rough, been told a good tune up would fix it, but the other has water in the oil, it turns over slowly and will not start. I would like to do the right thing with these engines, Rebuild the both of them, I have been told it would run me 10k to 16k a piece to rebuild, which is a bit out of the budget for now. So my question is....
I have located a pair of mec 502's with 180 hours on them for 13k for the pair, plus he will buy my 525's after he see's them, should I scrap the bottom of the barrel and get the 525's rebuild or would the 502s be a better bet.
My goal is not to do 90 MPH (yet...this is my first fountain) I would like something reliable with a 70 mph range.....
Any suggestions would be very much appreciated, I am in the Key Largo area and the boat has a great trailer and i can haul it anywhere in Florida, any recommended rebuild shops would be welcomed also
Thanks

I'm not an expert on this either, but I will say that from my experience you can rebuild motors that are sound for less than you can buy new power.

You know what you have with rebuilt power. Believe me, no one is more frugal than I. There is alot of guys here that will help guide you as they did me

To me, your budget is plenty healthy to support rebuilds...

Hello forgetg,

First, welcome to the Fountain owners board, and to OSO.

The 525 SC is a stout motor, and should move your 36/38 along nicely. Are the 502's you're talking about the 415hp variety? If so, you're looking at a BIG difference in power. 70mph? maybe.

My opinion is if you repower with the 502's, it won't take long (July?) before you're getting used to running the boat, and you'll be kicking yourself in the a$$ for getting rid of the 525's.

Bryan makes a good point, rebuild what you have, and then you'll KNOW what you have. If your budget doesn't allow both, rebuild one, enjoy your summer, and do the other one in the "off" season. Wait, did you say Key Largo? So much for the "off" season.

Good luck, and it's customary on this board to post pics of your new gal as soon as you can.

Brian

BTW, I would think you could go through BOTH motors for $16k, and that would include shipping to my builder up here in Michigan.

If something is broke, like a cracked head, well that's a different story.

Good luck,
Brian

Wish I had one in the water...soon

clean engine's

got to find a new name....

nice....

Nice boat. Don't be disappointed about not getting you new baby to the water right away, the hobby is FAR more enjoyable when the boat is reliable.

Good luck with your project.

I've always had smaller boats, but I have found that a quality rebuild, from a good shop, is a better value than a new piece. In the old days, a "seasoned" block always had advantages over a new block....
just my$0.02..
c