All

I am looking at a new to me boat. It is a 2009 and has a 525 EFI with about 140 hours on it.

Any issues I need to be aware of or look for with this engine?

What is the life expectancy of this engine - what is the typical rebuild hours?

Top end rebuild should be done around 250 hours.

I'm not sure if the '09's had the crappy CMI headers, but earlier models did. Can't really check them...sooner or later they would leak.

It's a great engine, but sometimes the smartcraft with all the sensors can be a PITA.

Great motors, I have 2 sets! All the headers are junk!

Same crappy headers are still being used by Mercury on a brand new 525

Mercury Headers . . .

Was it a lake boat or saltwater. Who owned it . How old was the last owner. Ask the owner when he changed oil and if it ever had a tune up. I think you can find out alot putting it on a scanner. People lie scanners usually don't . A compression test a must. Check the drive oil. Take a good look at the bottom.

I love my 525's. 350 hrs and no engine problems. Always start and run well. Did have one header leak, sent back to CMI and it was repaired and pressure tested free. Change oil every 25 hours with straight Kendall 40 summer, Mercruiser 25W-40 winter.

Don't forget to use a scan tool and download the ECM history whcih will tell how the engine has been used, idle hours, cruise rpm hours and high rpm run time. It will also show any recorded Guardian alarm events and this will show things like engine overheats, over speeds and low oil pressure events, etc. This information can not be changed so its a real accurate indication of how the engine was used and any major issues no matter what the owner or broker indicates to you. When and if you are interested or ready in the future Raylar can turn this engine into a nice reliable N/A 675HP package.

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

Thanks for the information. All good points.

The latest boat I am looking at was owned by a 60 year old gentleman and has 30 hours on it and it is a 2006. He simply hasn't used it but a couple of times a season - all fresh water. The deal on the original boat (2009) mentioned above didn't come to fruition.

Are the scan tools readily available to the public? Where can I get them and how much are they?

I have them for my cars and bikes and couldn't hurt to have this setup for the boats as well.

Thanks
Stacy

Do you think a person 30 would run a boat harder than a 50 year old?