hello, i'm looking at an exceptional conditon 1998 Powerquest 260 with a merc 454. It has around 400 hours on it. Is this a lot? Will the bellows, gimbel bearings, etc. need to be replaced soon as a general rule? I intend to get a mechanical survey done on it. It runs strong as I have test drove it. I am not a mechanic and am wary to make such a large purchase if this is considered a lot of hours on an engine. Should I cut my budget and get into a newer crownline or take my chances with what i really want? Thanks for the help. This forum is great.

400hrs is not a lot of hrs on a 454 as long as it was maintained properly. Which 454??? 454mag or 7.4mpi???

There are stories of 454's in parasail boats with 2000 hours on them with no problems. 400 is not a lot of hours. Friend of mine has a '97 290 PQ with twin 7.4L's that are closing in on 600 hours and the motors still run strong.

My 454 Mag MPI croaked at around 550 hours. This was due to an exhaust failure. It was running great before that occurred.

Take a good look at the exhaust risers / manifolds. Especially is it was run in salt.

My 2000 454 Mag was over 800 hours when we went through it. It still ran great and used no oil. We only went through it because it had to come out to replace the gimbal ring. The gimbal ring would be a good item to check. Make sure there's no play in it.

depends on how you run it and maintain it. With doing all the right things, i would think 800hours before you think about going over them

Mine that were in my 2000 29 Outlaw had over 700. Sold it to a friend and he has put over 150 or so more.
O and it was ALWAYS running when da CIG was n the shop!!
Very GOOD friend to take me along.

It is a 7.4 L. Thanks for all the info everyone!