496 vs 525 value point in a 35 Donzi?
05-23-2016 | 06:56 AM
#11
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From: SW CT & Long Island Sound
05-23-2016 | 07:29 AM
#12
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05-23-2016 | 08:19 AM
#14
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The 525 EFI is a great motor, but besides the normal maintenance schedule on them, there are also known CMI header problems on a lot of these boats. I would thoroughly check out the CMI headers for any issues on any 525 boat that you are considering. Many 525 owners have had expensive CMI header repairs/replacement (myself included). The CMI headers are the weakest link on the 525 boats IMO. Only you can decide if the extra performance/speed is worth the extra expense and maintenance that you will have to endure...
Last edited by neva satisfied; 05-23-2016 at 08:27 AM.
05-23-2016 | 08:37 AM
#15
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Also, both motors have closed cooling systems. The only difference is the 496HO has the drain valve system whereas the 525EFI does not.
05-23-2016 | 08:51 AM
#16
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+1...... unless seller has receipts from a reputable engine builder in the last year/50 hours I wouldn't pay a premium on any 10 yr old 525's. I'd buy the 496 boat and run it until it blows up then repower with new engines.
As far as rebuild costs, compare cost of brand new power:
New in the crate 8.2 HO, $17,500: http://www.proboats.com/pre_owned_de...h=3016095&nv=y
New Merc Racing 520 (2 yr warranty), $24,000: http://www.proboats.com/pre_owned_de...sp?veh=3995570
05-23-2016 | 09:16 AM
#17
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From: Springfield, Louisiana
my 32 sunsation has 496 ho's...I wanted one with 525's but none that I liked and limited for sale at the time... hindsight I'm glad i have the 496's. right at 400 hours...ZERO issues with them!
05-23-2016 | 01:34 PM
#19
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It sounds like a 300 hour 525 equipped boat that does not have documented top end refresh and documented cmi replacement is not worth the same as a comparable hour 496 HO equipped boat.
05-23-2016 | 07:48 PM
#20
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Thank you sooo much! Yes i had a 07 fountain w/525's and had header issues- I own a 07 Donzi now w/496's and it runs perfect(200 hours) with no issues ever- I have a chance to buy a 06 Donzi 35zr w/525's w/325 hours with no proof of rebuild(Repo) but priced very well.
