I'm looking for a used Fountain and have found a few but I'm not sure in boats how many hours is considered questionable. One has 250 hrs on the hull and a little over 100 hrs on engines, which means the guy must have rebuilt them. Another one has 395 hrs on hull and engines which is more but I like the fact that it's all original. Haven't seen too many over 400. It seems most of the boats have had the engines replaced or rebuilt around 400, is this normal? I would think you should get at least twice that much out of these engines. The engines I speak of are mainly the 525SC's that came in the early 90's 35' and 42' Lightnings which is the boat range I'm looking for. I just don't want to buy something thats going to need a rebuild after the first summer I use it. Obviously I would try to check the engines out to the best of my ability before a purchase, but was just wondering at what hour range is when it starts having problems. Thanks

525sc's are great engines. Mine has 450hrs on it with only a valve job at 350hrs.

my opinion is your getting close at 4-500hrs on SC's.

Non blower 502 mags 5-700hrs.

I would agree with Downtown. Making lots more hp with blowers causes more strain and wear; While a well cared for 330 or 7.4 should give you over 1000 trouble-free hrs. It really all depends on it's use, care, and feeding. Any hp engine that you don't personally know the history of since new is a bit of a gamble. Have a leakdown test done on both and try to get documentation on who did what to the 100 hr. engines. --- Jer

Thanks for the reply's, now I have a better idea of what to look for.

Isandburg,
#1 rule in buying a boat is hire a licenced engine an hull surveyor your bank will probably demand it anyway, at least you'll kow the boat won't fall apart before you get in the water. If you buy it without a survey you're taking a hellva chance!!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Call Ed Cozzi....