496 ho's in a Vyper
 

I'm more into reliability than big numbers. Any insight into the 496 ho and specifically how well the Vyper behaves with them?

What do you mean by behaves?

I have a Vyper with HOs, great reliable package with closed cooling. Low maintenance and last 750-1000 hours. As for speed, depends on the hull, they made some changes in late 01 which really helped. For example and older hull with 500s is slower than a newer with HOs. I've had mine 79.5 in fresh water, perfect conditions, light load.

It is for sale at Pier 57. Probably the nicest Vyper out there (I may be partial).

By behaves, I'm wondering if that is the ideal setup for that hull? I am feeling the water so to speak in moving up in size. I see a couple of 34's (yours included) with the 496 ho and I'm curious what to watch for. There is another 34 with 454s and a 38 with 502s. I know they are not all apples to apples, but I like the perspective from those who have owned/ran them.

If you keep a 496 stock you will engine many years of trouble free boating. Once you start "upgrading" them without changing the pistons you have issues.

I think the biggest engine package for the Vyper were 500EFIs. I stayed away from the blue motors to avoid the valve springs and valve job expenses. But they are great engines as well.

There would be no speed comparison against the HOs with the boats you mention. They would be a lot slower.

I just picked up a 2002 with 500s ,love it

What kind of speeds do you run? What drives do you have? Is there concern with bravo ones behind 500s or 496s?

We have 500s with xr drives, test drove a 2000 with 454 mags way under powered

Back in 2000 I test drove a brand new one with 454s, like 598 said it was underpowered. Not only that our fuel load was so low that we ran out of gas on the test drive. IMO you will be much happier with the newer hull like Pwraddr has.

We recently sold a 2008 Sunsations 32ss with 496 xr drives nice package, we test drove a lot of PowerQuest from 99 to 02s. I would recommend the newer hull with at least 496s if you're looking for long-term reliability

Honestly, you won't find a cleaner 340 for the money than Keiths. He is a no expense spared, meticulous guy

I do not have a Vyper, but I do have twin 496HO's in my 280SC PQ. I love those engines as they are very reliable. This is my third year of owning this boat and those engines have been trouble free, they don't sound bad either. Good luck on whatever you end up with.

Thanks for all of the responses, it is great when you can trust the feedback from OSO. There is an '03 with nice graphics, 496 ho's, but the bravo 1 outdrives. I am glad to hear the positive thoughts on the 496 ho's and it sure seems like everyone loves the Vyper, but you have to like the looks of the one you buy too.

496 has the bravo 1 X drives.....they all do, that is the paired drive. You will have no issues with them. You will not find XRs with those motors and they are not needed.

The boat you mention i believe is in KY. Appears a really nice boat with low hours. The thing I noticed is that graphic I didn't think was originally like that? Was the rest of the jagged stripes added, never saw that graphic with so many?? Also, the powerquest oval was typically more rearward than on that boat if my memory is right.

Also, that is a windshield boat, which depending on what you like can make a difference too.

Feel free to call Greg at Pier 57 and throw an offer to him, I might take it :) (also all the extra stuff you will get will be an added bonus)

Best of luck in your search.

Pwraddr,That is the boat in KY. Your observation about the graphics and oval is spot on, something did not seem quite right. I've always had a windshield so I guess I don't know the advantage of a windscreen. I will look at yours some more. Thanks for all the info.

Ok, reason I know is that I almost bought a 2005 Vyper with that scheme and wasn't like that boat in KY.

Let me know if I can help and good luck, it is a big decision so I understand you wanting as much info as you can get.

The one in Kentucky is sold I'm almost positive. Another OSO member was going to go look at it and was told it was sold.

The windscreen I believe looks sportier but if you are under 5-7it can be a challenge to look over. Had to get my wife a booster cushion

Here's a thread that's currently going on here about windscreens. May help in your decision making. http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...ower-boat.html

Thanks again for the input guys.

Good luck!