I really doubt I was trying to disrespect the outboards when there are three 2.5's hanging on the back of my Skater! I am considering upgrading to the new 300xs's for dependability and more torque.

I have a question: I am building a 33 Oceanhawk, 300XS or 300 Verado?

I am building a 33 Oceanhawk, which motor?
300XS or 300 Verado?

Thats a toss up. I do not know the torque curves for both engines. I would think the Verado would have more torque at a lower rpm due to the supercharger.

I had 140 hrs on my 300x's when I sold my boat...no problems to speak of and running very strong.
Gear cases were a a bit of a problem as mentioned. Mostly seals. I checked/changed oil every time out. I also snapped a fat shaft. Even on the fat shafts I would change them out every 50 to 75 hours on a cat. V's dont seem to have gearcase issues.

Tantrum,
On your AMT were you turning the props in or out? I am upgrading to fat shafts and would like to still turn the props in but I know that causes more stress on the shafts due to more stern lift.

I was spinning them out....the AMT didnt benefit either spinning in or out so I turned them out.
The problem with the cats is that the gearcase is out of the water most of the time. Because you are only useing the bottom half of the prop at speed the shaft is always flexing down. After enough flexing the prop shaft eventually break.
50-75 hrs is just the number I felt good with, Im sure you can get more but I spent alot of money on my props and didnt like throwing them away.
V bottoms never seemed to have the problems the cats do.

I would definatly upgrade to the fat shaft by the way. That would be money well spent I think.

How may hours where you getting from the small shafts before they broke?

u like those fat shafts huh.....

To scarab38's original question Ive heard 500+ but I dont think Ive ever run anything for 500hrs without breaking something

I think I would try the Verado in a bigger V set-up. If it can handle the the additional weight on the transom.
Two strokes IMO are for light, high rpm, WOT boats. Thats where they work best.