anyone know the current condition of Clifford? have not seen it in years.

I could really use some help with motor choice, I feel like a lost puppy dog here so many choices and not any good way to know what I'm buying is what I think I'm buying short of buying new. I've narrowed down a few choices:

1) True blue 500HP with full rebuild, zero hours. work done by Thunderboats Bob out of Fort Myers. Price is scary cheap, $21K. Say's they were an exchange from a midwest boat customer and he maintains no heavy saltwater corrosion. He is throwing in some old gill exhaust and tails, no leaks, but not pretty. No warranty. mercury HP 500 engines - boat parts - by owner - marine sale (craigslist.org)
2) Use lower hour take outs, 6.2 383 Mags, Brians Marine out of Gulfport MS, price about $19K, comes with new stock manifolds.
3) Used low hour take outs 496 Mags or 496 Marine Powers motors, also from Brians Marine $24K, comes with new manifolds.
4) New Marine Power 454 LSX small block, 511 horsepower, $40K, 2 year warranty. They build these in Louisana so pretty close to me and I can get custom colors, but it's pretty costly upgrade. I like the Kodiak 454 LSX as well and it looks nicer, but nobody around here servicing those. These motors are about 250lbs each lighter so 500lbs off the stern. null (marineenginedepot.com) They also have a sweet 6.2 with 420hp with aluminum block that is even lighter, but think the cast iron block of LSX probably the better choice for marine use.
5) Used 502 Mags listed here on OSO classifieds, 470 hours, closed cooling, good compression, gill exhaust. $15K for the pair, but they look pretty rough.
6) New 6.2/377 350hp Mercruiser, Believe these are combined around 400-500lbs lighter than standard big block. With SeaCore they are $42K total, 4 year warranty.

Rebuilt with no warranty and used takeouts scare the crap out of me in terms of risk involved. So what would you do, budget is $20-45K. Want something reliable and fast and would prefer some kind of assurance/warranty. The short rebuild time of mercury racing motors is not really appealing to me.

i ran mine for a long time with the original 454 / 310 mpi motors. they were bulletproof , not a single problem other than the boat ran about 68 mph. you will not regret putting as much horsepower in there as you can. in rough water the power helps keep the boat running level and cutting the waves. the twin boats are obviously heavy in the rear and without the power the boat is likely to drop the stern down into the waves more. i cant believe how much better it takes the rough water now.

the 28 Saber was sold new in the 90's with twin 500's and they guaranteed 85mph for $85000. those were called the cyclone edition.

Thanks a lot. I think I will try to stick with that 500hp goal even if I don't get those. I'll cross off the LSX as well, their local dealer told me to go with big blocks.

Not this year, but I will try to make next year. That would be a first for me, LOTO and shootout, always been on the bucket list though. Where is "the" place to stay with docks and pool and party, etc. and how far ahead should I book? Any other Sabers on the lake? I'd love to do one of those Saber rally's if they ever have one again. Michigan during late summer on my bucket list as well.

I know you purchased a boat, but I just listed the orange and white twin O/B 28 on scream and fly.

Thanks for the heads up. That is a sweet boat and probably would of bought it had I not bought sooner. Somehow I knew after I bought this boat I'd see at least one maybe more pop up for sale.

Also, please clear out your inbox, can't send PM's.

My bad! Cleared out!

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