Reliability 496/502
 

Looking to put together a very reliable boat, singel engine, to cross the gulfsteam. Have a house in Fl. and live in the Bahamas- don't like to fly.... I'm thinking a pantera 28' with either a 496 or a 502 merc single with an after market heavy duty outdrive. Any thoughts out there???? Also what kind of GPH at curise ?

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

No opinions on the OSO!!

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

496 and 496 HO are very reliable. I would think about twins if I was frequently making the trip you are talking about. A standard Bravo should be fine with the 496's.

My 496 HO burns about 11 GPH at cruise. A 28 Pantera is a bit larger and heavier than my boat. So, maybe a little higher fuel consumption.

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

How big is your load :drink:

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

No contraband here....just a few beers and a 100lb woman. I make the trip now in a 24' superboat/225 evinrude. Don't what the hassle of twins, but with inboards being much cheaper than outboard, would keep a fairly new motor in the boat - and a seatow card!

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

Seatow will only tow you in for up to 50 miles. That's what they told me when I joined this year.

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

That must be a hell of a ride! :eek: Let's see some pics of your boat. I have a 24 Super I/O.

Dave M.

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

Will try and post a picture tonight. The 24' outboard is a great boat- we use it as our car over here- but it's not a perfect ocean ride. I think your 24' inboard proably rides better in the rough stuff due to the added weight and where it is. I can't afford a huge boat, so I hope the 28' pantera will be a better ocean boat, plus it's got a larger cabin.

Austin

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

Here's a shot of our current boat. Taken as the girlfriend came home- I'm on crutches and have to stay home.

Austin

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

Looks nice! I like the graphics! :D :D

Here's a pic of mine....

Re: Reliability 496/502
 

Your going to find the 502 cheaper to purchase than the 496. Reliability, in my opinion is the same based on the attention it gets from the owner. If money isn't an issue, I'd go with the 496 soley on the fact it's a closed cooling system and your running in salt.

Did you think about going a little bigger and with something with twin 6.2's rather than a single big block. The extra footage will give you a better ride, small blocks will give you good fuel economy and you'll have a back up engine if you should run into any trouble. Just something to think about...

Good Luck!!!