Hi All,
New to the forum, my wife and I just bought our first power boat 2002 26' Kachina Force. 496 (non HO) and B1 bone stock 350hr. I know that I am definitely going to have to get the drive re-done, just hoping I can enjoy it this summer then get it done. I have been doing a lot of reading on here and I just have a couple questions. I am not the type of person that is OK with stock or can lave stuff AS IS. So here it goes...

Do I build on this platform? Or just keep it stock, enjoy for a couple years then spend some money on an alike boat that has a drive, hydro steering, and built motor. I know one thing is, if I build on this platform I will know the history on drive and motor.

Is the hull a decent enough to drop another 25k in to? I know Kachina has a history and mixed feelings, so just looking for some opinions.

I have read on there about fuel octane. I was talking to a reputable boat guy here in AZ and he said to use 91, due to the heat in AZ. But, that seems to conflict with a lot of info on here. I will use 91, but I sure like the price of 87.

thanks for your help

Not sure why gas would be different. If 87 is actually 87 I say run it in the 496. All of my friends run 87 in them and they all have 400+ hours. As for modifying the 496 HO. Leave it alone and enjoy boating. It is a great engine and will live a long time. Turn the key and go. Just not the best platform for upgrades especially easy and cost effective ones.. Better to sell off engine if that is the route you want to go and get something that is a better platform for power. I am not familiar with the Kachina Platform so no comment from me on the actual boat....welcome to OSO

Running 91 octane will only make your transom get sooty with no performance benefit.
Leave it stock for at least a year or two and then decide.
As long as the drive doesn't have metal on the drain plug, there really is no reason to go through it.

Welcome to OSO, and what Griff and CigR said is true...

Thanks for the replies. I changed the drive oil and found 1 shaving on it and the oil had a dark tint to it. I am going to run it next weekend and change the oil again and see if I see any more. I'm going with 87.