Go with the 525 they will be good for at least 200hours and then all you need to do is change the valve springs.

If you get the 496 you will wish you had more power by the end of the summer.

PS I have 500efi and had no trouble w/ 350hours
WILL

I have twin HO's and don't desire more power...
The cost savings alone will buy allot of fuel, and BTW, if you haven't owned twins and boat allot, save up now.
We burn a couple hundred gallons a weekend....
Black motors aren't much to look at, but they are great motors IMHO.

As said though, if $$$ is no object, 525's, they now have a great track record.
Bryan

If fuel economy is a concern forget boats and get a harley. As for me and my family, 525's are worth the money. Of course, if you are a real speed freak you'll still want more power by the end of the summer!

I was out in a 42' Fountain this year wirh T-525's. The engines perflrm flawlessly and can be run wide open all day long. They are built for true offshoe applications and truly remarkable reliable and user friendly.

I was out in a 35' Fountain with 496 HO's and wish it had 525's. The torque band on the 525's is way more aggressive and that;s what turns the blades. It's a no brainer if you have the $$.

I am lining things up for a new boat financially and the 525's are what will be in it. I really think it is the best piece of work to have come from mercury in this HP offering.

HP525's are excellent pieces of Mercury machinery and run flawlessly. However for those of you who don't have the extra 16-18K per motor or about 35 grand more for twins, don't worry about buying 496's. In fact you can buy 496Mags, order them with XR drives, your still ahead about 2K and then install our Raylar kits and whola! you have 525HP plus more torque than a HP525 and you just kept about 20 grand in your pocket. Does not seem like such a bad deal to me, more of a "no brainer"! But what the heck if 20 grand is not important to you, please put it in a big envelope and mail it to me, I could use the money!
Ray @ Raylar

raylar with your bck-103 kit on 496 mags you can get 525+ hp? what additionally has to be done to the 496 mags vs the 496ho to be able to use your kit ?do you sell complete turn key engines with your kits installed ? warranty? price ?

Only thing needed for our BCK103 kit on a 496 mag to get the 525HP is a reprogram of the 496Mag ecm or a 496 ho ecm change out. Yes we have turnkey 496 motors with our kits on them, but to price I need more specifics on what you need. Pm me with your info and I will get you a quote.
Ray @ Raylar

Raylar,
Are you going to be at the Miami Boat Show? What about offering a warranty on motors built by you? I have made the decision to invest in extended 5-year warranties for my 496HOs/XZs, but of course I do keep up with your updates. It would be great to see you as an official OSO sponsor.

If Your Interested I Have 2 500 Hp's With Alum Dart Pro One Head's On Them. I Took Them Out When I Put My 540's In. Heads Have 30 Hours On Them, Bottom Ends Have Appros 65 Hr On Them. Middle Of The Road H-beam Rods, No Exhaust. $7,000 Ea.

Yes I am in the Miamai Show this week at the Flagship Marine booth in the main hall. I will be there with our heads and manifold kit parts and will be available to talk to anyone about our parts and kits.

See Ya there!
Ray @ Raylar