Its is a merc hp500 with 340 hours on it. He says it runs great. Is there anything to worry about on them?

at 340hrs ask him for documents for proof that he had the top end of the engine gone over. If he can not provide proof or straight up tells you it has never been done you better count on spending about $3500 on a top end job asap. i would still go with the checkmate.

Its a used boatat a marina? was a trade in boat.

The 253 checkmate is a no brainer. 500hp is the best motor for that boat. I would get full helm hydralic steering and you would be set. Dont mess with the motor; only minor changes and enjoy the boat. That will eliminate the chime walking and keep the drive together. I hate the trailers that come with the boat. A brand new trailer would eliminate many future headaches. I would also change the motor mount that are lagged to the stringer and go through bolt. I'm sorry.....thats all....... for now.

$ 3500 for basically valve springs????? If the compression test is good, no valve work is required.



Darrell.

If the valve springs have not been replaced, they really need to be. The carbed HP500 springs broke a lot. It is not worth not having them chnaged. A broken spring could lead to a trashed engine. The springs can be changed without doing the complete top end. I would have a leak down test done on the engine.

I had a 251 Convincor Classic a few boats ago. It had the HP500 Carb in it. It was a 2000 model. The boat with a shorty sportmaster drive ran 76-77 on the GPS. The 251 had a slightly narrower beam. So I would say the 253 would run 73 GPS.

These 2 boats that you are questioning aren't really comparable. The HP500 is a substantial upgrade over the 7.4 liter boat. Ask around and see what the price sticker was to upgrade from stock 7.4mpi to an HP500 blue motor, ridiculous money. It would cost you a bundle even to get the 7.4 stock boat to 500 horse at the prop. ALso the resale will be there. Even if the valve springs haven't been done yet. Buy the boat at the right price, and get them done. Its easy for a mechanic to do or yourself if you are mechanically inclined. Not that pricey. Then you can run the hell out of that motor and not worry about it.

If the owner has not had the springs done, show him some proof that they should be done and adjust your offer accordingly.

Also the checkmates run well in rough conditions for the size and the 253 has a much larger usable cabin then then the H2x. Just my opionion based on the info you have shared.

Good luck!

Checkmate..

Griff is 100% on this. The top end needs to be done. I would go for the Checkmate.