Would you pass on a boat with a 525 because of the header issues? Also has 350 hours. Dont want to spend 60+ and have to rebuild in the middle of the season. How about 502 or 500efi ? Any to stay away from ? Whats a rebuild cost?

I know what your saying...I like the 500efi's better than the 525's

Any Merc Racing/Blue engine is going to need a top end refresh if it has 350hrs.
That and the fact that the headers have 350hrs would definately be something to factor into the price.

The HP525efi engine is about 100 more horsepower than the 500efi engine and definitely a better engine with its closed cooling and better electronics. The drives are also XR's which are stronger than the Bravo 1X's the 500efi may have come with!
Have the boat and motor surveyed anyway and if the headers are from the 2004-2006 problem years figure the cost of a new set of CMI GEN X replacement headers, by the boat right and enjoy!!

Hope you find a great new boat!

Ray @ Raylar

I guess im still old school.

Just work the price of a new set or sets of headers into the sale price of the boat. I bought a 10 years old boat and the manifolds looked crusty. The seller took 2k right off the top to fix the problem. Jeff Wurl