I agree on both counts.
Only time fi is better on most boats, exluding very high hp yuge cam etc, is when it’s real cold and you want go remote start it. :wink :lol
***Daytona ignition box helps many of those grumpy motors.

Good catch !

My opinion is that Merc does real validation testing and we just do speculation. So they probably know something. I’m also not sure if I’ve ever heard of a Merc putting the lifter needle bearings into the oil pan, so maybe they are on to something.

if the 96's aren't HO's Id pass sensor over load imo.............Id go with the HP 500's..........this all depends on hours and maint history

Replying to hogie roll:

That’s just silliness with many things oem.

The big automakers spend much more time and money doing product testing and they get things wrong a lot.

A famous quote of myself talking mostly about why an oem designed or spec’d or put sonething in a brutal place to access or etc….a ****ty part “There is a reason for everything, but it’s not always a good reason.”

On the flip side, there are tons of situations where an OEM part is better. Tons !

Yes I was only looking at 496 Mag HOs. But what do you mean sensor over load on non HO?

The 500HPs for the boat in this thread are fresh.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...f83772274.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...09f4bd6d8.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bf7c20cf4.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...3cf92f067.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0744de01a.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...17b18f098.jpeg

Think he is referring to the number of sensors on the engine (I.e. crank sensor, maf sensors, etc etc)

Yes ^^^ to many sensors, search Q&A for the 496 threads, Im just not a fan of the engine, but thats my opinion
Edit: if the 500's are fresh as you say it's a no brainer IMO but get the build sheets to prove it

I will ask for them.
I can really see that water line now that I'm looking on my computer and they are blown up. Is this something I should be concerned with? From reading it seems like it might be a common occurrence in the fountains.

The guy selling it wants me to fly out so i can see the boat before it goes back together. And he doesn't seem like he is trying to hide anything he has sent me 45 or so pictures of everything. Face timed and walked all around the boat showing me the few blemishes. But nothing was said about the cuddy and water he did mention he changed the carpet and hell sent that huge picture so i don't think he was trying to hide it. I just missed it looking on my phone the images aren't as big.
I'm just not knowledgeable enough on buying used boats. I've been good with the last 2 i bought but they were both baja i've never owned a fountain.

i appreciate all you guys chiming in. I know this thread has kinda shifted a little from the topic maybe i should start another thread

Any boat in this age group should at a minimum be tested with a moisture meter, transom and stringers, good luck

Edit: there might be a member on here that could look at it for you depending on location, might save you some cashola

That is definitely a water stain on the cabin floor. Could be from a couple sources, leaking deck hatch seal, cabin door seal or water from the bilge from being stored nose down or high water in the bilge. Best to check all the seals mentioned. Looks also like there is a stain in the bilge that could have caused the carpet stain if it were nose down. Only takes one time and the stain sets and very hard to clean off. Go to a profession carpet cleaning guy, they can fix it. If buying, I would go see the boat while it is apart and follow up afterwards and after it has been tested for moisture.