Has anyone ever successfully placed 8.1 rather than 8.2 in this boat? Width is just enough difference it appears to have motors damn near rubbing each other therefore making it seem not possible...

Dimensions should be same. I'm putting tall deck 572 which are taller on deck height.[ATTACH=CONFIG]509391[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]509392[/ATTACH]

Appreciate that. According to mercury dealer (2)496 is 1-1/2" wider. Measuring the 502's that are in place I have 1-3/4" current clearance... Worrisome for motors touching or repairs... Concerned to buy the motors and then not fit with clearance.

Curious why 496? Anything wrong with your 502s

Same question as above? Randy

+3 that seems going backwards.

+4

Ok ok! Damn you guys are on me! I had a deal on a couple 496 engines. However, I found 2 new merc 502 for 13K each... So leaning towards them now...

What type of 502's Merc has made many? Black or Blue engines? HP?
We need details...lol
Only cause we care.

Black, new from merc, 380 hp. Fuel injected. Not the fastest, but should have low attrition rate. Will need exhaust and either new gauges or convert or for analogs. The blue 500+ gets into mercs "performance line" which is ALOT more expensive for my budget.