What should I look out for? I'm new to the forum. Boat seems to be in great shape. Gonna have a full inspection done next week. What kind of hours are you guys seeing on the 496's as far a life expectancy. I heard the internals are cast? True? Also, comes with 4 blade and 3 blade mirage props. Can you guys tell me what the difference is? Will be running the boat on the rivers in Pittsburgh, PA.

Was the 496 offered in 2001?

Reason I ask is that my 2001 Baja 272 came with a 502 Mag. I was thinking the 496 came out in 2002 but could be wrong.

Any 496 that was properly cared for could easily last 1000 hours. It all depends on the maintenance, how it was run and whether it was ever over heated, etc.

There were a lot of problems with the very first year model 496's but those would all have been corrected by now under warranty.

Overall they are very reliable motors if you plan to keep them stock.

maintenance is the key, I have over 600 hrs
and never a problem. Ive seen some with over
3000 hrs in fort myers and other then the maintenance
change the oil coolers at 800 hrs and do not build
the motors they will be bullit proof.

I have a 2003 33 ol for sale, its on oso
classified. turn key boat very clean.
Rick

You are correct...apparently these are documented and installed at the factory late in the model year. Have paperwork.

You will see some late 2001's with 496's. I think that's when the HO's still had forged internals.