will add running the fuel tank below a 1/4 of tank does not help matters either. especially coming off plane - the fuel moves forward away from the pick up in the gas tank, electric fuel pumps hate drawing air and or restrictions for a jist

Look for a Baja 252

They are starting to catch my eye. Thanks for the tip.

The only hang up I have with most of them are a lot had the 496 mag engines. Not the mag HO.

496 mag 375 HP

496 mag HO 425 HP

Even a 454 mag would be a good engine

496 mag ho does not have forged pistons.

Just looking at all boats and engine combo's. I see the 502 with more hours then the 496's. I know they have been in production longer than the 496 but it seems like the 502 is an under rated mid range hp engine for the long haul. Please feel free to correct me if Im wrong...

Stock Merc motors are 100x more reliable than almost anything out there. Stick with it and leave it stock if you want reliability.

Then that leaves me wondering what all the hype is about marine engines are forged to withstand more heat and higher continuous rpm's. That has me scratching my head why would you want a marine engine if it wasn't forged steel and if it doesn't make any difference then an automotive engine should be just as capable.

Wife is insisting on a bow rider. Looking at a couple of Baja 252's and 232's. I would love one with a 454 or 502 mag.

I stand corrected. Sorry for the misinformation.

I thought there was a reason the mag was prone to pistons cracking and the HO was fine?

OP, I was looking for a 252 all winter long, not easy to find. Many had the 496 mag I didn't want.

A few weeks ago i saw a nice one for sale around LOTO and it had the 454 MAG. You're going to have to move fast when you find one. They don't last long