Your budget number should allow for some nice choices in a used boat. Single or twin, try both, then decide for yourself. Merc stock power is your best choice, blue motors are, IMO, worth the extra money for the additional HP and quality of the parts used in the build, Black Merc are also very dependable and hard to beat. My opinion is one should run like hell away from the unknown Hot Rod motors built by whoever. Blower motors can be fine, can also be a money pit. Never buy without a survey or help from a trusted friend with a strong mechanical background, and never till you get to run the boat.

Lots of good honest folks out there, only takes one chit wad to ruin your parade, be prudent and you can make yourself a very nice buy in these times. Good Luck!


P.S. Saltwater boats are best to stay as far away from as possible, cheap can never ever be cheap enough when one trys to revive one.

From what I understand the 525efi is a very reliable motor. I've read nothing but good things about them. They have good internal parts and respond very well to blowers. My new motor is supercharged and I could not go back to naturally aspirated and be happy. The power is awesome!!!!!!!

Did I mention....?

Stay away from 496 ho

You are correct!! From some of the buds he runs with that I know say the same. Welcome.

I'm Not a Fountain Hater, I only threw that in as a Joke :) I'd rather have a fountain than a Cig (Cause I'm in to Speed) Both are very good boats.

No Brand X motors. Check
No saltwater boats. Check
Survey. Check
Good advice. Thank you.

Even twin 496's?

From a performance stand point I've read it's very expensive to modify the 496 due to weaker internal parts. I know I could not be able to deal with that as I am always wanting more. At least with a mag motor you can pump some reliable boost to it.

I would say salt boats are fine but assure a survey to check them over. A maintained and cared for salt boat is every good as a fresh boat.

It is true though there is a lot of people that neglecte their boats....so a strong look over and survey is a must.

Considering the expense of hot rodding these boats I think it's real cost effective to buy a ride that already has the speed you need. For me I'm thinking that is somewhere between 70-80. So if I found a twin 496 that could do that, I think I'm done:)