Hi ,
I am looking to upgrade from my trusty bulletproof 1995 Formula 271, 502 efi and B3.
The B3 blew up a while back and was replaced with new B3. Flywheel back at the time.
The 502 has about 1200 hrs and has been well maintained and flawless. Never had an issue. Changed the manifolds and engine water pump, that's it.

I have been looking at ads for quite a while for 30-32 ft which will have dual engines and many of the ads promote new or rebuilt 496 mag or ho with low hours, 2-300.
I don't know if the brand of boat matters, the rigging may have an impact but that seems like low hours to me.
Would I be better off looking at twin 350 or 6.2 for long term reliability and operating costs.
I am not looking for the nth degree of performance, just a little more space and more up to date interior. and keeping the performance boat layout .
Thoughts...

IMO, any black engines last for... life ! or almost... 1500 hours up to 2000 hours when not beaten and well maintained should not be a problem
of course that is 2 to 3 x more than a blue racing engine
If rebuilt by a professionnal marine shop i would not be scared of buying a rebuit black engine.
I would not go with small block tho... i am sure they would be as thursty if not more than a big block so big block are my choices !

Thanx for the reply.
Looking at more common boats, Baja, Formula, Donzi, Powerquest type boats with twin 496 mag or 496 ho. Mostly Baja, the 30" Outlaw is plentiful and just about the right size
My point was that many of the boats I am looking at have rebuild or full long block replacements in less that 500 hours.

The 496 should not need any type of major rebuild around 500hrs.