496 vs 525 value point in a 35 Donzi?
05-24-2016 | 08:48 PM
#61
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Joined: Jun 2010
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I know the feeling, our 38 with sh!t 500's runs everytime we turn the key. Sucks big time!!
05-24-2016 | 08:51 PM
#62
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,358
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From: Moultonborough NH
I don't think anybody ever called the 500 a **** motor, at least I never would. The 500 EFI was quite the reliable workhorse in my opinion. The 525 EFI certainly had its share of flaws that are well documented.
05-25-2016 | 12:52 AM
#63
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Omaha/LOTO
So The boat i am considering is a repo boat w/525's- there is no receipts or docs for upper rebuilds-so i think it may be risky- I own a grea t07 35ZR Donzi with 496's with low hours - i value it at 75-80k the other donzi is a 2005 w/525's with 330 hours but no paperwork/service etc. they want 90-95k so lets say i am spending extra 10k to get the higher HP Donzi what do you think?
05-25-2016 | 04:59 AM
#64
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 307
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From: Cincinnati , Oh
1st off the upgraded cost from a 496 to 525 also includes xr drives and headers in the price. I went through the same thing last year with a 496 and 525 boat with the same hours on them (both under 200, $500 apart on asking price and 1 yr in age difference ) I could not justify the price jump knowing the top ends would have to done , the header issues plus 2k increase in insurance rates for 10 mph . I could do all the work on the 525s myself but I did not by a boat to work on but rather to use and have fun with. Don't get wrong the 525s have great sound and bling factor to go with them. White one had the 525s
Last edited by fasthawk6; 05-25-2016 at 05:05 AM.
05-25-2016 | 07:25 AM
#66
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 711
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From: Florence, Kentucky
Insurance is a totally fair point that hadn't been discussed. Still blows my mind your provider wanted a 2k premium. I could see a little uptick but would have never thought that much. I agree, turnkey is awesome but a 90mph boat sounds fun too!
05-25-2016 | 07:45 AM
#67
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Hollywood, MD, USA
I've owned both motors, in different boats. Bought the 496 new, in 5 yrs. I bought a MAP sensor, and an IAC. Other than that no issues at 235 hrs. The 525efi I bought at 135 hours, replaced the exhaust (3K+ as a pre-caution) sold the boat at 285 hrs, knowing the top end was due to be redone, another 3K?.
Both motors were nice. Aside from the initial price difference, the cost of owning the 496 was much less.
Both motors were nice. Aside from the initial price difference, the cost of owning the 496 was much less.
05-25-2016 | 07:55 AM
#68
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05-25-2016 | 08:04 AM
#69
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: East Coast
I bought 496's with 245 hours on them. So far a water pressure sensor, water pumps and housings and exhaust manifold temp sensor and now they have 277 hours.
Looking to move to 525's that will soon need a refresh.
It boils down to if you want to go faster, you need bigger motors and they require more maintenance.
Looking to move to 525's that will soon need a refresh.
It boils down to if you want to go faster, you need bigger motors and they require more maintenance.
I've owned both motors, in different boats. Bought the 496 new, in 5 yrs. I bought a MAP sensor, and an IAC. Other than that no issues at 235 hrs. The 525efi I bought at 135 hours, replaced the exhaust (3K+ as a pre-caution) sold the boat at 285 hrs, knowing the top end was due to be redone, another 3K?.
Both motors were nice. Aside from the initial price difference, the cost of owning the 496 was much less.
Both motors were nice. Aside from the initial price difference, the cost of owning the 496 was much less.
05-25-2016 | 08:22 AM
#70
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,174
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From: Clearwater, FL
Ladies you want on board just care that it is loud and that they can dance.
