Looking at purchasing a 97' 283 with 502 MPI. The boat has 480 hours and the motor hasn't been gone through. I know the owner and he maintains the boat very well. If I purchase, should I get the motor "gone through" and what should be done to a 502 with 480 hours? Do these 503 have any known problems? I come from the cruiser world so still learning about the powerboat stuff. Any other helpful tips would be appreciated. Oh yeah, is $28k a good price. Boat is really really clean.

Thanks

Why not grab this one instead? Fewer hours and some mojo with 496's.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...item4606f5e5be

I have a 01 270 Convincor with 502, 280ish hours for 30k. 28k for a 1997, I'm not sure. Someone else may chime in on that one. Seems a little steep for my blood.

Is the swim platform included in your length? If so, probably about a 3' difference in boats there.

I'll be honest I don't know. I've never measured it. I put it
Beside my old 24 outlaw and it was considerably longer.

If you have doubts about the motor, have a leakdown test done on it. That is a well used motor, but remember hours accumulate at idle too. Does not mean the motor ready for an overhaul. The drive however, would be a concern. I dont think 28k is a bad starting price for a boat like you describe.

Those stock 502's are good for a lot of hours......seen many with over 1000 hours on them. All depends on use. Stock motors are built to go for a good while. Mine had 700 on it when I removed it and was still running fine.

A 270 convincor is the same hull as a 259 after the swim platform was included in the length. A 283 is considered a 30' using current measuring system.

Thanks for all the responses. The lower was replaced last season... not sure why or what happened. I'll have to ask the situation. The boat is not abused, however. Its a Lake Michigan boat but ran pretty conservatively. I also read on past threads about 502's going twice the hours as this one has. Like mentioned, I know it had been maintained very well. I think I might offer the guy $25k and see if he bites.