I would really appreciate input on power packages for 38 avengers. I am looking at three boats and one has the 496's, one has the 500 efi's and one has 525's. I am hearing wide ranges of opinions from, go with the 496's because they are longer lasting to stay away from them, too under powered. Others say go with the 500's, they are the best all around to stay away from these and the 525's because they require too much maintenance. Coming from a crusier, I would really appreciate thoughts from those who have dealt with these various motors. Pro's and cons of each would be great.

Everything you've heard is correct. 496's are a tremendous work horse and the maintenance schedule is little to none. Once you bump up to the 500 and 525s you're looking at a top end at 200hrs, that's anywhere from $2500 to $3000k. With the 525's you have that and CMI Header leak issue on top of the maintenance. But you get the most HP out of the two engines. So it depends on what you want, if you want an easy maintenance scheduled engine and to go slower, I would go with the 496. If you want the most HP I'd go with the 525. The 525 is a great engine, but it's a racing engine and you have to treat is as such.

according to a lot of boaters,the 500efi is one of the best engines from merc,powerful and reliable...one problem with the 496,it's not easy to get more power out of them,if you need more,and the 525efi are kinda pricey...i would guess the boat with the 525 is the most expensive one,and you have the headers problem.....i would personnaly go with the 500efi....jmo

Thanks for the input. I am not looking for all out top speed, but rather a fast, decently efficient cruise in typical Great Lakes slop of 2-3 footers. Sounds like the 496's may be the ticket. What would the top end be with those?
Also, here is a major concern with the boat with 496's. It has not been run in three years. It has less than 100 hours and is like new, but I am concerned, especially with ethanol issues, about it sitting around. What would everyone do to check this situation out before purchase?

i assume the 496 are the HO version,as the boat might be a bit underpowered with the regular 375hp,specially with people,gas,and gear on board

yes, the HO's. 425hp. Thoughts on what to check due to it sitting so long?

I have a 2000 380 with 496 ho's. when I bought it it had locally built 502 carbureted motors with 525 horsepower. I sold those motors and put new 496 HO's in. with the exception of normal maintenance I have had no problems. The boat cruises nicely at 38 to 42 MPH with a top end of 74.

first thing i would do is check the oil;if it's reasonably clean,that's one good poin,but do change the oil.next,i would pump the old gas and put fresh one in...the only serious problem that comes to mind is a gummed injector...change the fuel filter before starting ,start the engines and let them warm up good before doing a test ride...im sure someone else is going to pitch in with other good suggestions....have the batteries checked for load,if you dont install new ones (i would)....good luck with your new powerquest;it's a nice boat

Thanks and good suggestions. I hope the owner is cooperative and will realize the need to address the fuel before firing it up for a test run...

What rpm do you cruise at? i like the top end speed but thought you should still cruise at 50 at 3200-3400.