thinking about purchasing boat w525sc 200 hours freshwater hours, are the nothingmore than 454mag w/blowers? How durable? life span?

They are just as reliable as anything else, as long as the proper maintenance was done as needed. They do make a lot of torque and run really well.

The only 2 engine combinations I would buy from Merc are the 7.4/bravo or a 525SC/Speedmaster. IMHO, the most (only?) reliable combos they make.
525SC is built for a blower, lower compression, different cam, etc and a lot of high performance parts you dont get on a 454 (roller rockers, etc).
Mine ran perfect for over 600 hrs. New owner lost a water pump, blew a head gasket. Since then, there's probably another 200 hrs on them.
I would be careful of the drive if it's a bravo. TRS or SSMs are fine.
Gary

A lot more than a 454 Mag and they are bullet proof.

I would add the 600SC to Gary's list (I guess until I blow one up!)

just had a customer in over the counter with 47 Fountain with the triple 525SC motors ,not sure of the hours on the boat but, he has owned it since it was new and says he runs the heck out of it,he had mach-sterndriver props 24 pitch on it and lost a blade ,so we replaced them with bravo-ones props.He said he has not had to do anything to it other than regular maintenance and now the props.

YES

I know two people with them and I have been very impressed at how trouble free they are. Personally I would not be afraid of them.

I have a 1998 Fountain 29 Fever with a 525SC and 210 hours on it - no real problems to speak of. You should have the blower looked at after about 200 - 300 hours use (recommended); just had mine rebuilt by the Blower Shop - no big deal.....

I have a 1998 Fountain 29 Fever with a 525SC and 210 hours on it - no real problems to speak of. You should have the blower looked at after about 200 - 300 hours use (recommended); just had mine rebuilt by the Blower Shop - no big deal.....

I agree re: the drive - I'm currently running an IMCO... most 525's that I've seen have been mated to a Bravo, if so, you need to be easy on it out of the hole....

I agree, just do the maintenance and be aware of what you have. I have a B&M 250 on a 502. Nickerson did the carb so I am not worried about A/F. With the 525 SC it should be right if no one has dicked with it. Easy on the stick(s) and run a drive shower. Anyone can break anything and anyone can make anything live, just keep your head on.

Good to see you back DirtLawyer, did you get your Teague tips straightened out? I still have the Redneck engineering bypass if you need the schematic for the pull/hold circuit.

I've got a 525sc in my 28 Pantera. Just did a top end rebuild at 335 hrs and switched to a roller cam. The main reason I even did the top end was because the Gil exhaust cracked and pitted the stems pretty badly on a couple exhaust valves.
Blew the uppers apart at 210 hrs in a stock Bravo. Replaced the upper with an Imco and it has been trouble free.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a boat with a 525sc.