I'm looking at a number of boats. Generally they have 502's or 500 efi's. The 500 efi's are sure nice. But if I find one with 200 hrs plus, it won't be long before top end needs to be re-done.
If can can look at a simaler boat w/ 502's, price diff may be 10-15k less (twins). What I'm wondering, if I bot a boat w/ 502's & did an immediate re-build close to 500efi specs. I may have same coin invested, and have fresh motors from top to bottom? I realize need new exhaust also, and they won't be blue. Coin toss? thanks.....Dave

I would buy the boat with the power you want now. Why get a new boat ( to you) and then start wrenching on it ? To do those 502s right you will give back any savings and then some,plus run the risk of something not right with the rebuild.Also i feel factory unmolested 500efis will have better resale later than warmed up 502s.If you can try to find low hour 500efi engines, you will pay more up front but i think you will be better off in the long run. Just my opinion, good luck and happy boat hunting.

It really depends on what type and size boat you are looking at if you should buy it with blue or black motors. Some boats, right or wrong have a perceived value ONLY with blue motors, even though their speed is not that different with the black motors. Thats why you are seeing such a large price difference between the two.

I remember seeing a 353 Formula several years ago with 502 Mags in it. That boat sat for at least 2 years at a bargin price only because the boat didn't have blue motors in it. It was in perfect shape, and only gave away a few mph. The original owner saved a lot by getting it new with the 502's, but then he couldn't give it away.

I'd buy the boat with the 500 EFI's. Have the top end redone,(about $1K for the 2 motors) and go boating. At 200 hours there should be no need to redo anything but the heads, and even that depends on how hard the boat was run. Saving that $15K sounds nice, but by the time that you have built the 502's into 500 EFI's,(cam/intake/exhaust etc) you will have spent that much, and you will probably never see that money that you spent out of the boat.

I agree with Duke. You NEED the blue motors!!!

It all depends on what your plan is. I tend to buy toys and keep them til they die so the black motors would be fine with me. It's probably cold in Michgan right now, so you have a few months for the upgrades if you really want them. I think you should just buy the boat you like at the price that makes you happy. If a boat isn't moving because it doesn't have blue motors, then that sounds like a better deal for you. If you plan on selling relatively soon, go blue.

Rene

Blue is always better than Black. Blue will be the good honest hard working choice for my money. Jas

Go Blue and I dont mean MIchigan!

If you buy black 502s with a couple hundred hours there is an engine builder in your state with a nice upgrade kit. Tyler Crockett can freshen the heads, put in a new valvetrain, and put on performance exhaust for about 7-8K per motor. The end result will have power specs similar to the HP500 with a new top end and another 300 hours of engine life. There are many ways to buy reliable performance. Engine paint is inexpensive.

You guys are absolutely right about resale, and the blues are so pretty. I'm planning on keeping this boat for a while, but thats what I thought about all my other boats, cars, houses, etc.
I will lean towards 500 efi's unless I spot a boat perfect in every other way, then I can take the 502's over to Tyler Crocket & have him upgrade towards similar specs.