I was always told these engines are very solid and reliable. I had a guy, he was drunkish, say those engines are blow up specials and I made a big mistake buying a boat with them. Opinions?

Complete BS, steel cranks, forged 7/16 rod bolt ls6 rods, 4 bolt mains, if anything they are overbuilt, especially compared to the 496. Weak points-mediocre valve train and low tension metric rings, Smitty

im guessing he is a boatless tool !!! i hear people have over 800+ hours on them

I have 650 on mine and they run as good as they did when I boat the boat with 200hrs.......just normal maintance is all....Iv'e heard of plenty going a 1000+

The base 502's are perhaps one of the most tough and durable engines ever put into a boat. Properly maintained and in their stock form, they'll practically outlive most boats.
That guy is full of sht.

Did he then offer to buy them from you for some low-ball price??? what a dumbazz.

Whats wrong with a 496?

I specifically got this boat over the others due to the engine package. Really wanted reliability. I'm a 3200 rpm guy. Got 3 young kids and wanted to have performance boat that we could all have fun with. Went from a 24 outlaw to a 34 vyper. Has a chance to get a vyper in florida with 500 bulldogs but went with this one due to engines and my boat came from fresh water....

bullet proof! he's wrong!

Nothing, as long as you don't do alot to them. They have been known to be not so upgrade friendly without alot of work. Cast crank and pistons, not easily SCd. I got two HOs and they are great, JUST LIKE THEY ARE....