If you had to choose power for a 27-30' Progression or Superboat between:

• 496HO
• 525
• 300XS (OB)

And your top priorities were, in this order:

1. Reliability
2. Maintanance Cost and Time
3. Fuel Efficiency
4. Power

Which one would you choose and why?

(assume that you could go with either I/O or OB on the hull)

Thanks!

I would go with a DEAN GELLNER 750 EFI like in last months powerboat mag. DEAN MAKES A NICE reliable motor theres a few race teams that have gone more than a season on his motors. I having a 572 blower being done now, and will have him up grade my 670hp motor next winter. I have seen troubles with the 496 and 525efi merc . a buddy had one replaced after the 1st season and now one of them does not like to start all the time so merc is not perfect know one is. but they cost more than others. ps the headers on the merc stuff is made cheaper by cmi for merc but costs twice as much as cmi etops or stainless marine gen 3s which are much better I think.

i'm assuming twin 300xs.

that would be my choice with those priorities.

Air time: that's more power than I need

Shore thing: why is that?

I've only had a short time to experience 300XS, but they are amazing in terms of performance. I went out on a 28 skater with 2 300XS and they clogged up twice in 20 minutes with something, we had to stop and clear it out before the smart craft alarm would go off. Is that a common issue?

I'd go 496HO. It's the cheapest initially, cheapest to maintain and will last for a long time. There are also a good variety of aftermarket parts available for when you get that "itch" I wouldn't do O/B on a 30' V hull.

Just based on your list of what is important. Your top two items were reliability and maintenance cost and time.

You really can't beat OB's for reliability and ease of maintenance. Put the Mercury warranty on top of that and you're good to go.

Is a 29' Progression too long for dual 300xs? If so, why?

I recently made the move to outboards for the very reasons you are asking about. Very happy with the decision.

My Dad has a 24 Progression with a 300XS. Great boat, great motor. Never had a clogging problem, but there have been some thermostat, impeller and condensor problems. I hear the 27 Progression with twin 300X runs around 100 mph.

If you go Superboat, I dont think you can get twin OB's. A 496HO will get boring quick. That boat is close to 32 feet long with platform. You need a 525 in that boat.

Same thing with a 29 Progression. A 496HO wont cut it. You might be able to get away with a HO in a 27 though. Still, I would go 525 or twin 300's.

I think the 525 burns about 8-10 more GPH at WOT vs. a 496HO.

If you go inboard, 525 hands down. Best performance motor Mercury has ever built. More gas than the 496 but there not in the same league. Outboards? I dont know Squat about outboards.