was looking at a 2000 25 sxt cat with a 502 called the warlock dealership and they told me to stay away from the 502 engine boats
that they have bottom end problems what gives??? i thought this was a bullet proof engine NEED FEED BACK PLEASE !!!

I have a 97 with the 502 with 200 hours. Not one problem yet. It will run 70 all day with a 26p prop. Its a good boat as well as motor, Im surprised they gave you that opinion. Most people prefer the older 502, 454 Merc motors over the 496mag. What boat are you looking at?

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-11160.html
this is the boat i was looking at

Mine is probably going up for sale soon (hopefull not) Ill try to get some pics and put them up soon.

who did you talk to at the factory?
i have never heard anything bad about the 502 other than it likes to burn oil, about a quart every 5 hours or so.