I liked my 502 efi's in stock configuration. Spent way to much $ chasing speed. Finally, changed over the carbs and bored - the speed followed.

I have had good luck with EFI's and mods. Got a custom blower motor with a MEFI going in your old boat! I think it is all in the setup.

I have many hours with a carbed boat and no problems as well.

KISS...
Saltwater can screw alot up.
Carbs are just simple.
My old 560hp 461 idled @ 750-800rpm.
sometimes needed a bit of a bump when cold to avoid a stall, no biggie.
Engine is on its 3rd owner, and everyone of them has loved it.
Nothing but basic maintenance as far as i know.
Mine needed no tweeking.
And I dont know what you consider cool factor, but most custom carbed engine are by far cooler than a 525 or 500efi, imo...

If you are old school hot rodder the carbs will be easier to service and troubleshoot issues,properly set up idle will be fine,just need to pump gas on cold sart ups,easier to tune if you make mods to engine,the efi engines no pump cold starts,less chance of stalling,a little less fuel at cruise speed,more safety sensors,a lot more tuning parameters.Both setups will work just fine,a good carb and intake is tough to beat for all out hp output

Stalling should not be an issue with a properly tuned carb. Maybe if you just start it and drop it in gear, it would, but thats not smart to do anyway.

If you are old school like you posted you are, then go carb. But ask yourself why you only see EFI engines in new boats? If not everynew boat, at least 90% of them. Ask your self "why is this" ?

How are ya Bill?
How is that project coming?
That thing is going to be bad-a$$!!!

ooo,ooo... i know why.
cuz that's all that's really made, and what the average consumer wants. (those 2 go hand in hand)
And merc only makes their small engines carbed anymore.

#1 reason is exhaust emissions.

I do wonder when that is going to be more of an issue. I am suprised that it's not out in CA. They've been on the "extreme" side of emmisions since the 70's.....

I really do like the simplicity of the carb set-up, I do thank you for clearing up the idleing / shifting issue. I most likely will go that route, unless the deal gets just to good to pass on the EFI motor set-up.

Thanks again for all the input.