A little help for the mechanicly challenged. I am considering a new boat ( well sort of used ) and I can find identical boats for sale ,1 with 496 HO's and 1 with 500 EFI's, both coupled to Bravo 3 Duoprops , Advantages,or Disadvantages,??? All info will help. Thanks

I hope the br3 isn't on the 500hp

I'll check and report back Thanks

500HP

500HP

500HP

500HP


Oh, did I mention you should buy the 500HP? Assuming this is some type of performance boat I wouldn't mess with the 496.....HP mods are few at this point.

Duo Prop set up?? Are you looking for a performance boat or more of a performance cruiser?? What type of boat are you looking at??

From a performance standpoint, it's a no-brainer, 500efis. Those BLUE motors aren't cheap though. For 50 more HP the cost is WAY higher.

I assume you boat in salt? 496's have closed cooling. This doesn't sound like a boat you would be modifying so I wouldn't worry that.

I am looking at the Donzi 39 ZSC ,Its more of a performance cruiser than a GO FAST ,are the 500 efi,only salt water cooled? Is there a problem with these motors in salt ,I've always had saltwater cooled 454 's and never had a problem !! any info would help in my choice Thanks

Unless someone has some different information, I don't see why you couldn't add fresh water cooling to the 500 EFIs.

Michael

If you run in salt, 496HO's will probably suit you better in the long run.

I rode in a 2002 39ZSC a couple of years back. This boat had 500's with a little more than 200 hours. My wife and I loved the boat from a looks point of view. Performance wise I was not impressed at all. It was a slug. I could never get it up on top of the water. It just kept plowing and never rolled over all the way. I tried evrything tabs down tabs flat tabs up the drives when ever I would touch them to bring them out a little it would start to break loose and drop speed. At max I seen 47MPH.

I am not sure what the problem was everything seemed right only 4 people onboard it just seemed it never got going. plus I could not see anything while sitting I had to stand and then it was hard.

Not trying to scare you off as we really liked the boat but this one did not perform well. Make sure you drive one way before making a deal.

Ray Baldwin