let's toss this around
 

I guess it would depend on alot of things, but I like the dependabilty thing. Ofcourse....I like it to look good too.....hahahaah

Maybe look at it this way, which one is in more need of attention?:)

as Allan said, depends on a lot of things

my HO would be if you want your basic offshore rig with stock 500s(or 525s), go for the graphics because if you take care of these motors we all know how they can be very reliable for many years

but

if you got something out of the ordinary of a "stock" motor, go for the extra motor

It depends. A friend of mine owns an Outerlimits 42 GTX with big sterling power. The motors cost him about $45,000 each (they are not the biggest Sterlings). A complete tear-down and rebuild will cost him about $25,000 at the high-end, according to him. So, in that case, I might spend $20,000 on graphics and put $25,000 away for a rebuild and skip the extra motor.

However, other people with lots of storage space, mechanical knowledge and a facility whereby they can swap out motors might be more inclined to get an extra motor for reliability.

It must be nice to have 45k motorS.

;) :) any one else?

I would go for the motors, with you in the boat I don't think anyone is going to be looking at the paint!

Go for the motor, that is a no brainer. Graphics are cheap and can be found anywhere. Just think how great it would be to be able to just drop a new motor in if there is a problem with one and how great it would be to have the extra motor in your living room as a TV stand. :D

motors

is it a brand new boat? if so then warranty is nice and i'd do graphics......if its used and has some radical engine combos or some high hours then i'd do the spare engine....we need more details! :D